asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will ensure that packaging for Irish products will be manufactured in Ireland.
Written Answers. - Packaging for Irish Products.
358.
It has always been the policy of my Department, while recognising the constraints inherent in our EEC obligations, to encourage the use of Irish products, and companies using packaging materials are conscious of this. However, cost is the main consideration for any manufacturer in purchasing materials. Irish manufacturers will tend to purchase Irish packaging where these products are available at competitive prices but I am not in a position nor would I consider it desirable to dictate trading terms for industry.
I understand from the Industrial Development Authority that in considering applications for grant assistance to firms engaged in, or proposing to undertake, the manufacture of packaging, due allowance has to be made, where necessary, for the existence of excess capacity for the manufacture of certain forms of packaging.