asked the Taoiseach the number of factories at present manufacturing blankets in this country; and the total number of employees involved in the industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blanket Manufacture.
3.
Seven of the establishments covered by the Central Statistics Office's production inquiries manufacture blankets, either on a regular or on an intermittent basis.
These establishments manufacture substantial quantities of other textile products besides blankets. Total employment in the seven establishments was 490 persons in March, 1976.
In view of the real concern and fear being expressed by people engaged in the blanket manufacturing industry, would the Parliamentary Secretary, through the Taoiseach, convey to the Minister for Finance the necessity for having the 20 per cent VAT rate on blankets reviewed as a matter of urgency with a view to helping the continuance of the unemployment of the more than 400 people engaged in the industry? Has the Parliamentary Secretary heard my question?
I am always being asked supplementaries in respect of matters which are not my responsibility.
This supplementary was slightly different but the Parliamentary Secretary chooses to snub a Member of the House by his silence.
Order.
I asked him if, through the Taoiseach, he would convey to the Minister for Finance the urgent necessity of a review of the high rate of VAT on blankets. Surely he is prepared to answer that question.
It is a separate question.
The Taoiseach has come to the defence of his Parliamentary Secretary. May I submit that the question asked, apart from the number of factories engaged in this industry, the number of employees involved? Surely one is entitled to ask whether the Government would take a positive step to help the people engaged in the industry.
The Deputy will appreciate that he is raising a matter of policy which is the responsibility of the appropriate Minister.
The Deputy appreciates that this Government have not shown any concern so far in relation to employment.