asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is satisfied with the progress of the "Guaranteed Irish" campaign; and if he will examine the profit margins allowed by home manufacturers in comparison with those allowed by manufacturers outside this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Guaranteed Irish Campaign.
15.
Independent research had indicated that the Irish consumer was experiencing considerable difficulty in identifying Irish-made products at shop level. The "Guaranteed Irish" programme was introduced primarily to overcome the problem. Since its introduction in October, 1975, the symbol has been adopted by more than 500 companies who between them account for approximately 70 per cent of the consumer goods produced by Irish manufacturers for the domestic market. In the same period these companies have directly and voluntarily contributed a sum in excess of £120,000 to the campaign—a strong indication of Irish industry's satisfaction with the concept. Consumer research undertaken within four months of its introduction indicated 76 per cent public awareness of the symbol and its meaning. I am satisfied that the "Guaranteed Irish" campaign is making real progress towards the achievement of its objectives.
The Deputy also asked whether the profit margins allowed by domestic and foreign manufacturers would be examined. There would be major difficulties in carrying out such an examination; these difficulties concern the number of manufacturers involved, the problem of obtaining the necessary information especially from foreign manufacturers, the fact that profit margins fluctuate from year to year and the variety of discount practices in the distributive trades. I could not justify having a task of this magnitude undertaken.