asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the remarks with regard to the Government preparations for the Common Market made on 2nd May by Mr. J.D. Hackett, president of the Association of Woollen and Worsted Manufacturers of Ireland; and whether he has any comment to make on Mr. Hackett's criticisms of Government policy in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Preparations for Common Market.
10.
I have seen a newspaper report of the remarks referred to. I am not aware of the basis of the implication that the Government's advisers on Common Market questions have no practical knowledge of manufacturing and selling. The Deputy will be aware that the Committee on Industrial Organisation, the membership of which is drawn from the Federation of Irish Industries, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Federated Union of Employers and Government Departments, is examining the measures that may have to be taken to adapt Irish industry to conditions of more intensive competition in home and export markets and is examining the difficulties which may be created for a particular industries with a view to formulating positive measures of adjustment and adaptation.
With regard to the protection afforded to the woollen industry, the Deputy will be aware that the importation of woollen fabrics is restricted by quota under the Control of Imports Acts. The Taoiseach has stated, in connection with our application for membership of the EEC, that it is intended to replace industrial quota restrictions by tariffs. Meantime the quota protection continues to operate.