asked the Taoiseach if he has received telegrams and other correspondence from the employers and employees of the tailoring and garment workers' industry affected through the recent clothes rationing scheme with a request that he should receive a deputation representing those affected by the scheme; if he will say whether he has received the deputation and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deputation re Clothes Rationing.
Mr. Byrne
On Wednesday last, the 10th instant, I received a telegram from the drapers' chamber of trade and the Irish Union of Distributive Workers and Clerks, requesting me to receive a deputation. The text of my reply was as subsequently published.
Mr. Byrne
Can the Taoiseach say on what grounds he refused to receive the representatives of the 10,000 who marched yesterday and who gave up their day in order to have their rights protected?
Because the matter was under consideration by the Minister immediately in charge of that Department.
Mr. Byrne
Am I to understand that the Head of the State cannot see the representatives of a very large number of workers and their employers, in view of the serious problem that they were faced with—the almost wiping-out of their industry, especially in the tailoring trade?
I satisfied myself that the Minister was giving full attention to the matter.
Mr. Byrne
Am I to understand that, if the people are not satisfied with that and want to see the Head of the State in connection with this vital matter which is affecting them so seriously, they cannot see the Head of the State?
The Head of the Government will consider in all cases all the circumstances. I considered the circumstances in that case and considered that that was a matter which, in the first instance, it was right and proper should be dealt with by the Minister in charge of the Department.
Mr. Byrne
May I suggest that——?
The Deputy may ask a question, but may not make suggestions.
Mr. Byrne
If the servants of the State are crushing industry and harming a very large number of employees, can those employees not appeal to the Head of the State to put a brake on those who are crushing out their means of living?
I received a request and considered it carefully. I communicated with the Minister concerned and sent a reply after I had satisfied myself that the matter was being handled by the proper Minister and being handled properly.