asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what requests were made by Irish industrialists and what negotiations are at present being carried on with the British authorities with a view to protecting employment in Irish factories by quota order under the provisions of the Anglo-Irish free trade agreement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment in Irish Factories.
41.
It would not be possible for me, without a breach of confidence. to give particulars of representations made by individual firms in the sense of the Deputy's question. When such representations are made the difficulties are, of course, examined with a view to seeking a solution as quickly as possible, but it is not the practice to announce details of such cases in advance of possible remedial action.
While I accept what the Minister says as true, could he say if many requests have been made by industrialists for protection in this matter? I am not asking for an exact number but whether it is a large or small number.
Relatively small.
Is it affecting industries where there are large numbers of employees?
No. I am not aware as of now that this is a major factor.