asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the Irish tyre manufacturing industry is capable of coping with the entire tyre requirements within the State.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Tyre Manufacture Industry.
22.
Apart from special sizes which it would be uneconomic for them to produce, the Irish tyre manufacturing industry is in a position to meet the full requirements of the home market.
Will the opening of another tyre factory constitute a threat to the existing home industry?
The factory to which the Deputy refers will be producing solely for the export market.
23.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the fact that the continued importation of all types of rubber tyres has resulted in 80 workers employed in the manufacture of rubber tyres being declared redundant; and what action he intends to take to enable the workers concerned to be re-employed and to prevent further redundancy in this very important Irish industry.
I am aware that a certain amount of unemployment has recently arisen in the Irish tyre manufacturing industry. I have already taken steps with a view to assisting the Irish industry. I should, perhaps, add that tyres are subject to a duty of 45 per cent.
Is the Minister aware that, despite what has already been done in connection with this matter, 80 people have been laid off and there is a tendency to lay off more? Tyres continue to be imported from Japan and Israel.
The Deputy may be misinformed as to the source of the danger from excessive imports. A breakdown of the figures discloses that the vast bulk of the increased imports have not been from the two countries to which he refers.
They are from Britain and they will increase after July when another ten per cent comes off again.
The position is that we can request the other Governments, just as they can request us, to co-operate in taking remedial action. This is the step I have taken with the British Government in regard to this matter.
It does not take over a year, does it?
The Minister will appreciate that I was not being deliberately specific in mentioning Israel and Japan; I merely referred to them. Is the Minister not aware that Irish tyre manufacturers are seriously concerned about the importation of foreign tyres?
I am so aware, but, when the Deputy goes into it in more detail, I think he will find it is a bit more complicated than at first appears. Involved in it is the question of international marketing policy, in which a certain company may be involved.
Would the Minister set about arranging to have some consultation with the people interested, namely, the employers and workers, in order to iron this matter out? There is grave concern on the part of the workers and employers with regard to the future.
I am aware of the concern and my Department has been in touch with both the company and the union concerned in relation to this matter.
Question No. 24 postponed.