asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce his response to the memorandum to him and to the Minister for Finance, seeking Exchequer support for the Consumers' Association of Ireland which he received in July 1987; whether he has studied this document in detail; if he accepts the very strong arguments contained therein; if he sees the serious consequences for the Irish consumer of any diminution of the work of the Consumers' Association of Ireland; and whether he will respond sympathetically to that comprehensive request.
Written Answers. - Consumers' Association of Ireland.
23.
I have indeed given detailed consideration to the case for Exchequer support made to me by the Consumers' Association of Ireland. I have previously expressed in the House my appreciation of the valuable contribution made by the association in the protection and enhancement of consumer interests and I am happy to reiterate that appreciation today.
However, I am not, at present, in a position to make funds available to the association because of the severe financial situation facing the Government. I met representatives of the association on 10 February and I explained the position to them. I undertook, however, to make representations on their behalf to the EC Commission in support of the association's request for continued EC funding.