asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that there was a fall of 1,200 in the number employed in the clothing and footwear industries in 1976; and the steps he is taking to counteract this serious situation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Clothing and Footwear Industry Employment.
2.
I am aware that the official statistics show a fall of 1,200 in employment in the clothing and footwear sectors between September, 1975 and September, 1976. This reduction, is, of course, a matter for serious concern, but, I am glad to note that employment in the footwear industry seems to have stabilised. The statistics indicate also that employment in the combined textiles, clothing and footwear sectors increased marginally in 1976.
I have given details in reply to similar questions over the past two years, of the protective measures taken against imports of clothing and footwear with the agreement, or under the aegis, of the EEC Commission. I might add that the Multifibres Arrangement, which governs trade in textiles, is now under renegotiation, and we, in conjunction with certain other member states of the Community, are pressing for increased safeguards against low cost imports.
Firms in these and other sectors of manufacturing industry have benefited and continue to benefit from the wide ranging and valuable facilities being made available by the Industrial Development Authority and the other State agencies.
The promotion of rationalisation and development in the clothing and footwear industries is at present being pursued by these industries in conjunction with my Department and the State agencies concerned. I have to stress in this respect that the State's efforts to safeguard existing industry depend for their success on an adequate response from the industries themselves.