asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in the context of current negotiations with the UK in connection with the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement, the Government is seeking to have the same treatment accorded to men's shirts, made from synthetic fabrics and blends not of EFTA or Irish origin, as that accorded to men's shirts of UK origin, made from similar fabrics, imported to this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement.
44.
As consultations with the British Government under the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement are continuing, it would not be appropriate for me, at this stage, to indicate what arrangements are being sought for any particular sector of Irish industry.
Will the Minister say whether this matter has come up at all in the discussion?
I would not be willing to say that.
Why not? It could not affect the negotiations to tell us whether this matter has been raised or not.
It would. I have not indicated what specific industries are being discussed under this.
Why not? In the EEC negotiations we know what is being discussed, so why cannot we know what is being discussed with Britain?
The reply to the next question may answer that because it deals with a similar type of situation.
45.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what progress has been made in the negotiations with the UK Government under article 15 of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement.
Discussions are taking place with the British Government to consider, in accordance with Article 1 (5) of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement, what measures are appropriate to deal with the difficulties which have occurred, or are threatened, in certain sectors of Irish industry as a result of the removal of protection under the agreement. The consultations are continuing and it would not be appropriate for me to make any statement at this stage.
Will the Minister say how that answer helps the previous answer?
It covers the same field.
Yes, with the same degree of vagueness. Will the Minister say when he will be able to make an analysis of this matter in view of the fact that we now have only four and a half weeks to go before the deadline?
I hope to be in a position to have something further to say about it before that date.
Could the Minister assure this House that the negotiations will lead to favourable results and that full advantage will be taken of the 3 per cent clause which if properly used would enable us to have real protection for nine or ten industries?
That is a separate question.
It arises out of section 1 (5) of the agreement.
I can only speak for one side.
Will the Minister assure us that he is pressing to get full value?
I can certainly give that assurance.