asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a report outlining the increased competition in polyester fibres now that the expiry date of key polyester fibre patents in ten countries has been reached; whether such developments will have any effect on the expansion of the Irish man-made fibre industry on which so much stress was laid in the course of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement negotiations; and whether his Department have taken any steps to consult with the industry on this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Polyester Fibres.
24.
Mr. O'Leary
I have seen the report referred to by the Deputy.
Polyester fibres are not manufactured in this country; they are imported for use in the production of yarn for subsequent manufacture into fabric and other end products.
It has not been represented to me and I have no reason to assume that increased competition in the production of these fibres would adversely affect Irish exporters of products containing these materials.