asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any proposals to put to Comitextil; and the plans the Government have to assist the textile industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Textile Industry Assistance.
57.
I take it that the Deputy is concerned primarily with the question of textile trade policy in the context of the enlarged European Economic Community.
Comitextil is the co-ordinating body for the textile trade associations of the countries of the Community. As such, it maintains liaison with the Community and with other international authorities, but not with national governments. Accordingly, the answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the negative.
As regards plans to assist the textile industry, the Deputy is, no doubt, aware that the aids available to manufacturing industry generally, in preparing for free trade, are available to the textile industry.