asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will indicate the extent of building material imports into this country; the number of job opportunities lost because of these imports; and the steps he proposes taking so as to reduce the level of these imports.

It is estimated that building material imports in 1983 amounted to about £370 million and that some 50 per cent of these imports could be manufactured here and generate direct employment of about 10,000 additional jobs.

The development of the building materials sector is a matter primarily for individual firms themselves. However, there is a wide range of incentives and services available from the state agencies to encourage their development, and these agencies are already working closely with firms towards this objective, including the exploitation of the significant import substitution opportunities which exist.

I understand that the sectoral development committee is at present finalising a report on the building and construction industry, including recommendations for the future development of the building materials sector. This report will be carefully considered by the Government, on receipt, with a view to taking appropriate action to assist the development of the sector.

Can the Minister indicate the major countries supplying these imports and the major products being imported from those countries?

I have not got in my brief the origin of the imports. I have figures in general.

The major countries.

Having increased both in 1980 and 1981, imports of building materials declined by 6 per cent in 1982 and by a further 1 per cent in 1983. This reduction is due to the continuing recession in the building and construction industry, and also because there is a greater realisation on the part of Irish manufacturers of the importance of increasing their share of the Irish market. The principal imports in 1983 were timber and related products, £80 million, iron and steel, £34 million, electrical, £33 million, and floor covering £31 million. I will be happy to try to get some indication of the origins of the imports for the Deputy.

Is the import substitution unit now functioning in the Minister's Department, and what is the level of the staff complement?

I have not got that information here but, as I said, the Sectoral Development Committee is at present finalising a report on the building and construction industry. The Department will take full cognisance of the contents of that report.

The Minister mentioned import substitution. What units have been set up to deal with import substitution?

The Deputy can be assured that the State agencies are very much aware of the need for import substitution and are active, especially the IDA——

Is the Minister aware that in 1982 it was indicated to this House that an import substitution unit would be set up immediately for this purpose in the Department of the Environment? Surely he must be aware whether or not it is functioning. I want to know if it is.

I am not the Minister for the Environment.

What about the Minister's own unit?

I am sure the Deputy is very well aware of the ruling by the European Court of Justice in regard to Buying Irish. The less said about the matter the better.

It was indicated to the House on numerous occasions that import substitution units would be set up which would not contravene the EC Treaty. Is such a unit functioning in the Minister's Department? Yes or no?

Such a unit is not functioning in my Department.

A final supplementary.

The Minister mentioned the incentives which are available to companies to get involved in decreasing the level of their imports. Would the Minister care to outline a few of the incentives to which he has referred?

The Deputy will be aware of the activities of the IDA in this sector. There are other activities outside my Department which are also relevant, but upon which I do not wish to comment because primarily they affect the Department of the Environment.

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