asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that several large drapery shops in Dublin do not stock underwear or socks manufactured in Ireland; and if he will take steps to see that the fact that they do not stock Irish goods is publicly displayed in the shop windows of these firms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stocking of Irish-made Goods.
42.
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy. I have no power to insist that shops do as he suggests. I am sure that the Irish distributor must now well know that it is in the national interest to stock Irish goods. It must be equally well known to the Irish public that it is in the national interest to purchase the same.
I wonder would the Minister consider taking suitable steps to adjust this appalling position? I was with Deputy Corry on Thursday of last week. We went into one of the biggest shops in Grafton Street to buy socks and we were amazed when we were informed that they could not supply us with Irish-made socks. I wonder can the necessary steps be taken to remedy that position?
The Common Market will fix it.
Why does Deputy Corry not buy his socks in Cork?
I think suitable steps should be taken.
He buys his Paddy there.
Perhaps they have not got his size.
As I have already said, the Minister has no power to ensure that shops display in their windows the fact that they do not stock goods of Irish manufacture. The Minister is conducting a "Buy Irish" campaign through the medium of leaflets. I should add that imports of these commodities are only marginal, amounting to six per cent. of home production in the case of underwear, and four per cent. of home production in the case of socks. I would hope, and the Minister would hope, that in these circumstances shops would stock Irish-made goods.