asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what steps have been taken by the Government to ensure that the public buy Irish goods during the Christmas season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Buy Irish Campaign.
60.
The National Development Association, which is a merger of the former National Buy Irish Committee and the NAIDA, launched this year an intensive campaign to promote the sale of Irish-made goods during the Christmas season. Last February, a toy and card fair was held to encourage the purchase by the trade of Irish-made toys and cards for Christmas. A special exhibition of Irish-made Christmas goods is being held from now until the 21st December at the Association's display centre at 3 St. Stephen's Green. Retailers throughout the country, business, trade and voluntary organisations, professional associations and school principals have been contacted and urged to promote the sale of Irish-made goods during the Christmas season. The association has also arranged for radio appeals and a special television advertising programme designed to encourage the public to buy Irish at Christmas time.