asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what consultations, if any, he had with the trade unions involved in the recent dispute at the Irish Oil and Cake Mills before duty-free licences were granted to consumers of edible oils to bring in supplies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import of Edible Oils.
63.
None. During the dispute referred to by the Deputy, duty-free licences to import edible oil were given to manufacturers whose workers were not involved in the dispute. This action was taken to safeguard employment in margarine and other factories and to ensure the continued availability of commodities that are important to the poorer sections of the community.
I may add that some of the applicants indicated that they had satisfied themselves that there would be no trade union objection to their importing the oil.
Would the Minister not think it desirable that the unions be consulted?
They were consulted.
I thought the Minister said they were not.
No; I know they were. I was Minister for Industry and Commerce at the time. They were consulted, even though the Labour candidate for Louth did not know of it on the day of the election.