asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware that certain goods manufactured in Northern Ireland carry the description "Made in Ireland" on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

While I am aware of the practice referred to by the Deputy, I have no reason to believe that there is anything inherently objectionable in it.

The law in this area is contained in the Merchandise Marks Acts. Under these Acts, a trade description is defined to include "any description, statement or other indication, direct or indirect, as to the place or country in which any goods were manufactured". It is an offence to apply a false trade description to goods, or to sell or expose for sale any goods to which a false trade description has been applied. I understand that the practice of applying the description "Made in Ireland" to goods manufactured in Northern Ireland does not constitute a false trade description.