asked the Taoiseach the number of footwear 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. - Footwear Workers.
9.
The total number of persons engaged in establishments classified to the boot and shoe (whole-sale factories) industry for the purposes of the annual census of industrial production was 5,700 in mid-September, 1970, and the corresponding figures for mid-September in each of the years 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969 were 6,165, 5,587, 5,622 and 5,900 respectively. The figures for 1969 and 1970 are estimates and are subject to revision in the light of the results of the 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.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that since the date given—September—and this, of course, suits him—three factories have closed down?
There is nothing in that. The Deputy is misrepresenting me.
These factories have closed and one large factory in Limerick is to close next May unless it gets a big increase in orders. Would the Government in such a situation consider invoking Article 19 of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement to ensure that for 18 months at least there will be a quota if not an increased tariff on footwear entering this country?
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his supplementary question on the previous parliamentary question. It would be more helpful to the Deputy for his own information to ask this question of the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
I addressed these questions to the Taoiseach because of the serious situation for workers within the industry. If the Taoiseach sees fit to send in the Parliamentary Secretary who knows nothing about this matter that is not my fault.
That is typical of the Deputy. These are statistical questions. I have given statistics. If the Deputy wants any further information relating to any Government Department he should put his question to the Minister concerned. The Deputy should not be personal.
And I shall introduce a Private Bill.
That would be a help.