REPORTS. - INDUSTRIES AND TRADE AND COMMERCE.
The Report of this Committee stated that schemes for affording financial and expert assistance in the development of Irish industries were being considered. Consuls had been established in Buenos Aires, Paris, Genoa and New York and Consuls were en route for other countries. The English Government had made every effort to interfere with the development of direct trade between Ireland and foreign countries. Cables and correspondence had been delayed and suppressed; British commercial interests had endeavoured to deprive Irish firms of the benefits of direct shipping, and instructions had been issued for the search of the person and belongings of every American sailor entering the Port of Dublin. Steps had been taken to render this interference ineffective.
In proposing that the Report be adopted, DAITHI CEANNT (Cork East) mentioned that the American Consul in Cork had promised to do his best to facilitate direct trading between Ireland and America.
LIAM DE ROISTE (Cork City) seconded the motion, and dwelt on the necessity of securing that the warehousing of goods was in the hands of firms favourable to the development of Irish foreign trade. The provision of return cargoes was a matter of immense importance, and would require the most careful consideration of the Director of Trade and Commerce.
THE SUBSTITUTE-DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND COMMERCE outlined the steps already taken in the matter of return cargoes.
After further discussion the Report was adopted.