asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is satisfied that Irish tanneries have the capacity to produce adequate supplies of leather for Irish boot and shoe manufacturers; and, if so, the steps he will be disposed to take in relation to the substantial volume of imported leather.
Written Answers. - Irish Tanneries.
635.
The production capacity of the Irish leather industry is more than sufficient to supply the needs of the Irish footwear industry; in fact we export more than three times as much leather as we import. However, the production needs of the Irish footwear manufacturers are such as to require a variety of leathers not all of which can be made economically by the Irish tanneries.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is in the best interests of the Irish tanning industry, and of the workers in it, that it should be free to concentrate on producing the range of leathers most suited to its circumstances and on selling its production in the most suitable markets. Equally, the Irish footwear industry should be free to import its specialised requirements. Accordingly, it is not proposed that measures to control leather imports should be taken.