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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 18 Jun 1970

Vol. 247 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Membership Effects.

36.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will elaborate on the statement made on his return from his recent Common Market talks with the European Commission when he indicated that certain industries would die; whether he will name these industries and approximately the number of employees who would lose employment.

I presume the Deputy refers to a statement made by the Minister for Finance. The problem is more one of individual firms rather than industrial sectors, and it would be unrealistic to expect that there will not be some casualties among firms. Statements on similar lines have been made from time to time. It would be unwise to attempt to indicate the firms which may not survive since their prospects will depend largely on the response of management and workers to the situation as it develops.

I apologise for attributing the remarks of the Minister for Finance to the Minister if it caused any upset. Could the Minister say if it would not be in the best interests of industry at this time if the Department have any information suggesting that certain industries will not have much chance of surviving, to make this known to the trade unions involved as soon as possible?

In individual sectors. The Deputy will be aware that reports are being issued—a second one is being issued this week—in relation to prospects in this regard. A number of other sectors are being investigated and all these reports are issued as soon as they are ready for presentation by way of guidelines to various sections of industry. At present I think that is the most useful function I and my Department can fulfill in this regard.

Would the Minister agree that there is a certain admission price to be paid mainly by Irish industry if we enter the Common Market? Should it not be the duty of the Department as soon as possible to give the terms of this admission price to this club to Irish industry so that employers and employees will know exactly what they are supposed to sacrifice for this venture?

"Admission price" is a rather peculiar way to put it. As the Deputy is aware, there will be a discussion next week on the White Paper on the EEC and I think this will give me the opportunity of making a pretty elaborate statement on the overall situation.

Will the Minister not agree that certain sectors have been named as areas of difficulty, for instance, footwear and the manufacture and processing of jute? Could the Minister not be more frank and give us the other areas of difficulty, seeing that in the normal course of debate I have no objection, and I am sure the House has none, to saying what we all know? Could the Minister not elaborate rather more and help us in this matter?

Three or four years ago there were, perhaps, feelings about certain sectors of industry that they might find it very difficult to survive. There are changing patterns and changing approaches and it does not necessarily follow, that particular industries which at present might not be expected to survive, would not survive and, perhaps, flourish, it may be, for want of a better phrase. In any event, where there is danger I am hoping to be in a position to spell it out.

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