asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism the steps he proposes to take to control dumping by foreign countries in our domestic market; the number of cases that have been brought to the notice of the EEC authorities in Brussels; the action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dumped Imports Control.
39.
The question of protection against dumped imports is the responsibility of the European Communities. The commission examines complaints in consultation with the member states. In general terms dumping is recognised as the importation of goods at less than the market price of the same goods in the exporting country. As far as the EEC is concerned dumping applies only to goods imported from third countries. Trade between member states is governed by the competition rules of the EEC and the question of anti-dumping action does not, therefore, arise.
Except in very exceptional circumstances a complaint under the EEC regulation may be made only by a substantial proportion of Community producers. Irish firms with problems arising from dumping by third countries must, therefore, act in concert with some other community producers in lodging a complaint. Officials of my Department advise and assist firms in the preparation of such complaints.
Because of exceptional circumstances two cases on behalf of Irish companies have recently been brought direct to the Commission. One has been withdrawn and the other is still under examination.
A number of anti-dumping complaints, initially brought on behalf of producers in a number of member states and examined by the Commission, also involved products of interest to Irish manufacturers and we assisted in the processing of these cases.