I wish to ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will take action immediately to prevent the discharge of cargoes of fertiliser from ships in Cork and Drogheda as the import of these cargoes, which contain a higher nitrogen content than is permitted at the Arklow plant, will further jeopardise the jobs of workers in the NET factory.
Private Notice Question. - Fertiliser Imports.
In accordance with the terms of the Treaty of Accession if difficulties arise in any section of the economy which are serious or liable to persist we may apply to the Commission for authorisation to take protective measures to rectify the situation. The Commission shall direct the action, if any, to be taken. While it is not open to me to take the action proposed by the Deputy, if concrete evidence of dumping is produced I shall arrange to have this matter investigated by An Coimisiún Dumpála immediately.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are very large stockpiles of fertiliser in the plant in Arklow and that the jobs of workers are endangered by huge imports in recent weeks? Can he not take some action to avoid job losses there?
There has been a general recession in the fertiliser industry across the whole of Europe. Ireland is the only country where there has been any pick-up in the consumption of fertiliser. This probably explains the interest of other European countries in sending fertiliser in to the Irish market. However, it is not open to the Government to take unilateral action unless it is quite clear that there is dumping. The body concerned about alleged dumping in a case like this would obviously be the firm concerned, NET. They have not alleged that dumping is taking place in the instances referred to by the Deputy. If they do we shall immediately take the matter up further.
Further arising from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply——
A final supplementary, Deputy.
It is a very important matter and as you know the House adjourns this evening for the Easter Recess. Does the Parliamentary Secretary think it is proper for one semi-State company to import fertiliser at the expense of another semi-State company and the jobs of Irish workers therein?
These are independent commercial companies supported by the State to a certain extent. They, naturally enough, would be concerned to buy fertiliser at the cheapest price in order to make their operations, which may be competing with operations in other countries in Europe, as competitive as possible. There are obvious dangers involved for the Government in interfering with the normal commercial operations of companies such as the Sugar Company. Of course, they should take account of factors, such as those mentioned by the Deputy.
I did not name the State company but it is the Irish Sugar Company. Has the Parliamentary Secretary expressed his displeasure to the Irish Sugar Company and his concern over this action on their part?
I have not expressed my displeasure.
Has the Minister?
I do not think the Minister has done so.
Next business, the Finance Bill, resumed.
(Interruptions.)
I wish to ask a further supplementary if I may.
I am sorry, Deputy. I have passed on to other business. Deputy Blaney.
(Interruptions.)
In view of the fact that Question No. 23 on today's Order Paper is down for a considerable time, is a matter of extreme urgency and has been passed from the Taoiseach's Department to the Department of Foreign Affairs, would it be possible to get a written reply to that question? Would it also be possible, with your permission, to raise the subject matter of that question on the Adjournment?
I will communicate with the Deputy in relation to the latter request. The earlier request will receive the fullest consideration.
Can I inquire from the Parliamentary Secretary if he has obtained——
Deputy Murphy must have some regard for order in the House. I facilitated the Deputy by way of a special Notice Question. This is not good enough.