asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what steps he is taking to ensure that the growth of foreign ownership of retail outlets does not operate to the disadvantage of Irish manufacturers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retail Outlets Ownership.
94.
As long as Irish goods are competitive in price and quality, I see no reason why any distributors should prefer to seek foreign sources of supply. I have no reason to suppose that foreign owned outlets would, in fact, adopt such a policy, but I shall, of course, be keeping the position under observation.
Is the Minister taking cognisance of the fact that many of these foreign-owned retail outlets have massive production units in Britain and elsewhere and that they make a special point of pushing their own products and that this is likely to have a detrimental effect on the Irish manufacturing industry? Would the Minister ensure that a very close watch is kept on the situation so that serious disadvantages to Irish industry can be avoided?
I am aware of the background situation to which the Deputy refers. I am concerned about this and I am endeavouring to keep a watchful eye on the situation with a view to dealing with the problem should it develop.