Vol. 196 No. 9
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has seen the comment made by the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that the Irish when confronting the English market have frequently adopted the most common and hackneyed features of English production; if he accepts this finding; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in regard to it.
31.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has seen the criticism of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that in the production of woollen and other woven cloths influence from abroad is nowhere more evident; that cloths for suitings are largely derivative; and that the necessity for the development of new ideas and designs is apparent; whether he agrees with these findings; and, if so, if he proposes to take any steps in regard to them.
32.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has seen the criticism of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that, in regard to certain textiles, manufacturers have tried to imitate the foreign article; that instead of being Irish their goods are French, English or Japanese; and that the Group know from experience that this is a disastrous approach; whether he agrees with these charges; and, if so, if he intends to take any steps to remedy them where they are true.
33.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has seen the criticism of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that patterns for textile printing were based on casually chosen designs of foreign origin purchased from the pattern parasites of Europe which are superficial, made by routine and with no particular person in mind; and whether he agrees with this comment; and, if so, if he proposes to take any action to remedy it where needed.
34.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has seen the criticism of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta in regard to machine-made carpets that the patterns were not good; that they were extremely irritating to look at; and that there were imitations of foreign carpets resulting in shallow worthless designs and general lack of understanding of the medium by all concerned with production; if he agrees with this criticism; and, if so, if he proposes to take any steps to remedy these defects.
35.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has seen the comments of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta in regard to glass that its production plays on the layman's sentiments; that the shapes are not artistically satisfactory; that even the copies are not true to the cultivated eye; and that the industry will not only be unable to advance with new shapes but will fail to set the standards of performance necessary to keep a tradition alive; if he agrees with these findings; and, if so, if he proposes to take any steps to remedy them.
36.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has seen the criticism of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta in regard to graphics that, generally speaking, the standard was poor; if he accepts this criticism; and, if so, if he proposes to take steps to remedy the situation.
37.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has seen the criticism of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that Irish printed books are generally of a low standard and that there is an apparent lack of care and finish; if he accepts this criticism; and, if so, if he proposes to take any steps to remedy it.
38.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has seen the criticism of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that in regard to packaging there is a lack of character and of strong motif, bad lettering and ornamentation, and that these faults are to be found in profusion; if he accepts this criticism; and, if so, if he proposes to take steps to remedy it.
39.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has seen the criticism of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that in regard to furniture the different techniques and ways of manufacture which are the basis of furniture production have been neglected in Ireland; whether he agrees with these findings; and, if so, if he proposes to take steps to remedy the position.
40.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has seen a statement in the report of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that the bulk of Irish souvenirs are of a very low quality; if he agrees with this criticism; and, if so, if he proposes to take steps to remedy it.
41.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has seen a statement in the report of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta on metalwork that they found very few examples of worthwhile design in metal; and that in cutlery, kitchenware, tools and appliances the designs seemed to be all derivative and without understanding of the materials; if he feels this criticism is just; and, if so, if he proposes to take steps to deal with it.
42.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether Córas Tráchtála Teoranta have considered the report of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by them, and its industrial implications; and, if so, if they propose to take any steps to facilitate the improvements required to implement the recommendations made.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 to 42 together.
I have seen the Report of the Scandinavian Design Group to which the Questions refer but I do not consider that it would be appropriate for me to comment on the detailed views expressed therein. As the Deputies are aware the Report was commissioned by Córas Tráchtála, the main Government agency dealing with design in industry and is being considered by them and by Government Departments. Córas Tráchtála have already introduced a number of measures aimed at improving industrial design.
In view of the fact that this is a most considered, detailed and categorical condemnation of practically all branches of the administration and control of Irish industry would the Minister not appreciate (1) that we are not ready to go into the competition involved in membership of the European Economic Community and (2) that urgent action is necessary if any remedies are to be effected prior to our going into the European Economic Community and would he——
I reject completely the view that this is a criticism of all branches of Irish industry. It is nothing of the sort. It refers simply to design in industry. Within a matter of days of the publication of this report, members of the Government got together and considered the respective findings and action was commenced within a week of the publication of the report.
I am glad to hear the Minister say that action was taken within a week of the publication of the report. Would the Minister consider getting together with Córas Tráchtála, the Arts Council and the Department of Education in order to see whether some concrete and speedy action can be taken with regard to this matter?
Such action has already been taken. We do not have to wait for the Deputy's suggestion.
In relation to the Department of Education as well?
All Departments.
The Minister for Education said he was completely unmoved by the report.
I did not say that. You had so much talk that I could not get a word in. I said no such thing.
Of course the Minister did.
