Vol. 258 No. 12
asked the Taoiseach if he is aware of a boycott on British foodstuffs currently being maintained in the Republic and, in the light of the warning given by Córas Tráchtála to the effect that any such boycott could seriously damage our trading relations with Britain, if he will make a statement on the matter.
7.
asked the Taoiseach if the reported intimidation of shopkeepers with a view to a boycott of British goods will have an effect on jobs in this country; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
I have seen Press reports of intimidation and boycotting, but nothing to suggest that there have been any such activities on an extensive scale. I believe it would be a mistake to attach too much importance to a campaign which would appear to be the work of a tiny handful of anonymous irresponsibles. These people are certainly not motivated by patriotism, since, as has been pointed out by a number of people, the only effect of their campaign would be to endanger the jobs of Irish workers in our export industries. About two-thirds of all Irish exports go to Britain and the North. Less than 5 per cent of British exports come to Ireland. Therefore any halt to trade between the two countries would mean a major disruption of our economy and a comparatively minor discomfort to the British. Those who are motivated by patriotism in matters of this kind should adopt, not the negative attitude of boycott, but the positive policy of "Buy Irish" which has long been encouraged by the Government.
Have the Government's view on this matter, and the view of the House, been made absolutely clear that buying Irish is one thing but, as the Taoiseach said, the negative approach of boycotting British goods can involve nothing but danger for our exports to Britain and for the jobs of Irish people?
It has been made absolutely clear. At least three of my colleagues have already spoken publicly on the matter. As I said already, those who have been making these threats are irresponsible people and not just irresponsible but the enemies of the Irish people, of Irish workers and of Irish shop assistants, and even of the cause they might seem to put forward as being their goal.
The Taoiseach stated that he has seen Press reports, but surely he has had reports from the Garda authorities. Is he aware that there is intimidation of shopkeepers and Protestants, and has been for the past year, and very little has been done about it? Is the Taoiseach serious when he tells us that they are only a tiny handful of irresponsibles? Surely the Taoiseach is aware that some of the major organisations which could have 15,000 people marching in this city recently are responsible for this? What does the Taoiseach intend to do about it?
According to newspaper reports the organisations which the Deputy probably has in mind have repudiated this activity and have denied any responsibility for it. I accept that. I hope it is right. So far as the intimidation of people over the past year is concerned, all these allegations have been investigated. In most cases it has been done by way of anonymous phone calls. In some cases it has been identified as being the work of cranks who have some local or personal grievance against the individual concerned or his property. I would not like the Deputy to give the impression that this is widespread and that there is something sinister or subversive in these alleged acts of intimidation.
We all hope the Taoiseach is right.
