asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, having regard to the concern of operatives in the paper manufacturing industry regarding the future prospects for the industry and the growing volume of imports manufactured from paper, he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Paper Manufacturing Industry.
31.
I understand that the mills engaged in the manufacture of paperboard and boxes are experiencing difficulties due to a falling off in the demand for their products. Certain proposals have been made to my Department with a view to alleviating the position and these are receiving urgent consideration.
Has the Minister examined the extent to which the fall in the demand for products from the Irish paperboard mills is due to imports from outside the State and will he say what steps he is taking to ensure that these products are not imported while the capacity of Irish mills is not fully used?
Imports of certain types of paperboard in the first quarter of this year show increases over last year's figures. Certain other categories show a fall. Where there are increases, consultations are taking place with the industry in regard to those increases and in regard to licensing provisions in respect of these imports. I should also say that the export figures show an improvement over last year and the year before.
Will the Minister take into consideration the fact that the paper industry has been undergoing extreme difficulties here in the last few years, due, perhaps, to a variety of reasons, and will he bear in mind that unless it is now given a chance to get going again before competition increases, the whole industry may well be in jeopardy?
As I have already informed the Deputy, there are proposals which have been made to my Department which are being examined as a matter of urgency with a view to alleviating the position of this industry.