asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a further shoe factory (name supplied) has gone into liquidation; and that the workers and local businessmen have purchased the company from the liquidator; and if he will now consider applying section 19 of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement to shoe production and if he will also apply to the EEC for special terms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shoe Factory Closure.
45.
I am aware that the shoe factory mentioned by the Deputy has closed down and I understand that there has been a move by a local co-operative to purchase the factory and recommence the production of shoes.
It is clear that, from the point of view of unemployment and its causes in the boot and shoe industry, a case for the limitation of imports or the seeking of special terms for the industry within the provisions of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement could not, at present, be sustained. I am informed that difficulties facing certain footwear factories including that the name of which was supplied by the Deputy, arise not because of imports but from problems related to the particular manufacturing units concerned.
Special terms for the footwear industry are not being sought in EEC negotiations because the time available up to the end of the transitional period should suffice for that industry to prepare for Common Market conditions.
The remaining Questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.