asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce under what section of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement measures were taken to protect textile manufacture in this country; for how long such measures were under consideration by his Department; if he can give any reason why the measures taken were not applied previously.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Textile Manufacture Protection.
37.
The measures taken to protect textile manufacture in this country were taken under paragraph (5) of Article I of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement. The position of the textile industry including the possibility of taking protective measures, is kept under constant review. Appropriate action under the agreement was taken as soon as the necessary procedures under that agreement were completed.
Is it proposed to take any further action in the near future under that agreement for the textile industry?
No.
I know the Minister has taken some action recently, but can he say whether he intends enlarging the scope of that action so as to protect more jobs?
Not specifically in relation to the textile industry. We have made our decision in this regard.
Has the Minister had any reports as to whether the measures taken are having any effect?
Yes, in so far as there is squealing because of the increased protection.
I did not mean that. Can the Minister say whether the measures taken have resulted in factories which had indicated their intention of closing withdrawing such indication?
I have not any information off the cuff in that regard.