asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the demand abroad for Irish whiskey and the necessity for safeguarding our national economy by building up our export trade, particularly in hard currency areas, he will seek such powers as are necessary, by the introduction of proposals for legislation, to enable his Department as a responsible authority to foster and develop the export of this commodity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Irish Whiskey.
As I indicated in reply to a previous question, official assistance in seeking and developing foreign markets for Irish whiskey is provided for the business interests concerned as a normal practice. No special powers are required to enable my Department to render such assistance, and it is not necessary to introduce legislation for this purpose.
Would the Minister say whether or not there was a section in his Department dealing with whiskey during the emergency?
Yes, but during that period our concern was to restrict exports rather than promote them. Circumstances have changed now.
Could that particular section dealing with whiskey during the emergency not be utilised now to expand the export instead of restricting it as was necessary then?
That has been done.
In view of the fact that the Minister says that legislation is not essential, would it not be desirable to convene a meeting of the interested parties, the distillers, for the purpose of emphasising to them the desirability of expanding this trade?
That also has been done. I met them personally during the course of the last few months to deal with that.
Would the Minister say whether, as a result of that meeting with the distillers, he has hopes that an increase will be likely to take place?
I would not like to express any hopes, but there are some developments.
Arising out of the Minister's reply——
Ceist a dó.
Might I say——
I want to put a supplementary question.
There have been five or six already.
I have not asked any.
With your permission, in view of the fact that the Minister says legislation is not necessary, I would like to raise this matter on the Adjournment in connection with the convening of a meeting of these particular people interested in the export of whiskey.
There is a good deal more whiskey going from England, Scotch whiskey, to America. I can tell you that definitely.