andMr. Carter asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the existing problems in the textile industry and of the recent redundancies in this field in Athlone, County Westmeath, and Blarney, County Cork, he will outline the steps he is taking to assist this industry as a matter of urgency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Textile Industry.
20.
I am very conscious of the problems being created for the textile industry, in common with certain other sectors of industry, at present, by the general recession in trade on home and foreign markets.
I have indicated previously that, within the existing constraints imposed by our international obligations, I am doing everything possible with a view to helping the textiles, clothing and footwear industries. Discussions with the EEC Commission and the UK authorities about the problems of these sectors are still continuing. In the meantime, I propose to introduce shortly a system of national surveillance on imports of textiles, clothing and footwear.
The Industrial Development Authority and the other State agencies are also continuing to make available wide-ranging and valuable facilities as a support to manufacturing industry generally in their efforts to maintain employment.