asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the imposition of a tariff on cut flowers has occasioned considerable hardship on street vendors and others engaged in the sale of flowers, and if he will state whether prior to the imposition of the tariff any consultations took place between the Department and such vendors with a view to avoiding or lessening the adverse effects of the tariff?
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tariff on Cut Flowers.
The Emergency Order imposing a duty on cut flowers was made following the receipt of information that abnormal importations of these goods were about to take place. I am aware that some difficulties may have been experienced by street vendors for a short period following the date of the Order, but there is no reason to believe that adequate supplies of these goods will not be available in future. Consultations such as are mentioned in the second part of the question were not possible in the circumstances.