asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of the grave situation in Border counties where large consignments of building materials, including concrete products, sand and gravel, are being imported from Northern Ireland for use in major building schemes in the Republic; and if, in view of the fact that the situation is approaching such a serious position that it is threatening the livelihood and employment of firms and workers, he will state the action he proposes to take; and if he is aware of the unfair competition which is causing chaos and giving Northern firms decided advantages because of subsidies and grants available in Northern Ireland, but not available to firms in the Republic.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Importation of Building Materials .
41.
: I am aware of the problems which imports of concrete products and other building materials are creating in the Border areas. However, as the Deputy is aware, Ireland's freedom to take steps to restrict imports is limited by our international commitments and in particular by our membership of the European Communities. With regard to the availability of grant-aid this, in my opinion, is not a major factor in the problem, and selective grant-aid to concrete product manufacturers in areas adjoining the Border would not be feasible.
: Why are they able to supply these products from across the Border cheaper than we can produce them here? What is the reason for the advantage they have?
: That is a separate question.
: It is certainly not separate, it is completely relevant to the question asked.
: In the question Deputy Harte refers to the use of imported concrete products in major building schemes in the Republic. We have checked with the Department of the Environment, who are most likely to be involved in this, and they have no indication that this has been the case. However, if Deputy Harte has a particular case the Minister will be prepared to look at it.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that there is a considerable amount of this type of product being imported into the Counties of Cavan and Monaghan where they are prepared to deal adequately with the market, that they are being pushed out of business and that unemployment is likely to result if something is not done about it?
: We are aware of the many problems there, and they are being looked at at the moment.
: The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.