asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if it is his intention to update and extend the Buy Irish campaign by making it compulsory to State and semi-State bodies to buy quality Irish products; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - “Buy Irish” Campaign.
29.
The European Court of Justice, in a judgment delivered in November 1982, found that involvement by the Government or any of its State or semi-State agencies in the promotion of "Buy Irish" type campaigns is inconsistent with our obligations under the Treaty of Rome. That judgment rules out the continuance of a State supported "Buy Irish" campaign and also any question of making it compulsory for State and semi-State bodies to buy quality Irish products.
The existing "Guaranteed Irish" campaign is organised and administered to private sector interests who are not subject to the EC ruling.
I am, of course, anxious to encourage Irish firms to maximise business opportunities and I have had discussions with certain commercial State bodies to identify areas where they can assist in the development of Irish business. I hope to extend these discussions to the other State bodies in the coming months. I am confident that the goodwill is there to help Irish industry and this is what I hope to build on.
Question No. 30 re-entered for oral reply.