asked the Minister for External Affairs whether souvenirs of Irish origin are offered for sale at the shops in the United Nations building in New York.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Souvenirs in U.N. Building Shops.
82.
The United Nations shops are run on a commercial basis. Some Irish souvenirs have competed successfully with the souvenirs of other member countries for sale by the shops. These include Carrigaline pottery, Belleek china, costume dolls, Urney chocolates and Sweet Afton cigarettes. The bars and restaurants also carry a full range of Irish alcoholic beverages.
I hope this is not an answer like the one I got about the Cuban sugar.
Has the Deputy a question?
Now I am told that souvenirs are for sale in the United Nations building in New York.
Has the Deputy got a question to ask?
The Minister should make enquiries again.
I have done so.
Is that a question?
There are no souvenirs.
I have been officially informed within the past 24 hours that the list I gave the Deputy is correct.
I tabled a Question for the Minister's colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce, in the hope——
The Deputy must put a question.
But I want to explain it. I wanted to know from the Minister for Industry and Commerce the answer to that question.
The Chair has no function in the matter.
My information is, and I have it on unimpeachable——
The Deputy cannot continue in this strain. Question No. 82.
When were the souvenirs put there? There were no souvenirs when I asked this question.
Nonsense.
We are one of the few countries paying our way in the United Nations.
I should like the Minister to ensure that they are Irish souvenirs, because the Japanese are now making shillelaghs and are selling them here.