asked the Taoiseach the number of textile workers employed in the State on the latest available date, and on the same date in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Textile Workers.
8.
The total number of persons engaged in establishments classified to the textile industries for the purposes of the annual census of industrial production was 25,000 in mid-September, 1970, and the corresponding figures for mid-September in each of the years 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969 were 22,387, 22,952, 24,312 and 25,600 respectively. The figures for 1969 and 1970 are estimates and are subject to revision in the light of the results of annual censuses for those years. All the figures given cover administrative, clerical and technical staff as well as industrial workers but they exclude outside piece workers.
How does the Parliamentary Secretary feel now about the situation as the Common Market approaches and we have increased the number of employees in this industry?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary certain that this employment will continue?
With respect, I would suggest to the Deputy that if he puts down a question to the Minister for Industry and Commerce he will get a clearer and more helpful picture than I personally can give.
The whole industry is in trouble due to the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement.