asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, as a result of recent closures, he now considers that Ireland should ask for extended special terms for the boot and shoe industry within the terms of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Boot and Shoe Industry.
41.
It is clear that, from the point of view of the volume of unemployment and its causes in the boot and shoe industry, a case for special terms for the industry within the provisions of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement could not, at present, be sustained. I should add that I am informed that difficulties facing certain footwear factories arise not because of imports but from problems related to the particular manufacturing units concerned.
Does the Minister not feel a case could be made for a bilateral agreement with Britain on the extent of protection? Under the free trade agreement there is a provision whereby for 18 months we could unilaterally take a decision to protect an industry if there is serious unemployment. Does the Minister not agree that at the present time there is serious unemployment and closures? If we do not want to take the bilateral step of applying to Britain for agreement we can invoke a section of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement whereby we can unilaterally decide to provide protection for up to 18 months by way of quotas or restrictions of imports?
We have had reports about closures in the boot and shoe industry. Any unemployment is serious both from the point of view of the area and the people who become unemployed, but I do not think the problem of unemployment which has arisen in the industry is such as to justify our being able, under any heading, to take up the matter in relation to the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement at this stage.
The Minister has not, in fact, replied to my supplementary. My point is that if it is felt that the volume at this moment does not allow us to make application to Britain, we can take unilateral action under section 27 for 18 months and thereby protect our interests?
There is this arrangement and it would be wrong for me to say I do not feel upset about the volume of unemployment which has taken place, but in relation to that volume I am still not satisfied it demands of me, at this stage, the action the Deputy is suggesting.
I disagree with the Minister.
It would not be unique for the Deputy to be recorded as disagreeing with me.