asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a statement (details supplied) to the effect that the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement should be suspended in the light of the lack of development of traditional industry and the current high rate of company taxation; and if he will state whether or not such a suspension of the agreement is under Government consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement.
43.
I am aware of the statement to which the Deputy refers.
There is no provision in the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement for its suspension, and the question is not therefore under consideration. Suspension of the agreement, if it were possible, would involve the loss of the benefits Ireland enjoys under it, including the right of duty free access to the British market for our products.
The agreement, of course, contains provisions for safeguarding particular industries which encounter difficulties as a result of its operation. These provisions have been and will be used where necessary.
Against the background of our approaching entry to the European Economic Community, however, it would be unwise to rely on the use of temporary measures to protect the domestic market to solve any difficulties that may arise. Manufacturers should rather intensify their efforts to prepare themselves for free trade, using for this purpose the various forms of assistance provided by the State through its agencies.