asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of the increasing amounts of concrete products being imported into this country at unrealistically low prices, which is causing job losses here; and the action he proposes to take in this matter.

I am aware that some concrete products manufacturers, especially in Border counties, have been experiencing competition from imports from Northern Ireland. However, data available to me suggest that the level of imports has decreased in 1984.

The recession in the construction industry has been the main factor contributing to the problems of the industry here, though I recognise that imports have not helped in a situation where there is already considerable overcapacity in the sector.

While we all accept that the very deep recession in the building and construction industry has brought down the level of imports, would the Minister agree that there have been very serious job losses in Border counties? Will he accept from me that special facilities were made available at a specific custom post in Ballyconnell in County Cavan to accommodate importers of those types of products which are causing job losses down here?

I understand that a question about customs and excise matters has been put down to the Minister for Finance. Obviously it is not a responsibility of my Department to answer for the Minister for Finance. I have no proof that concrete product imports from Northern Ireland are at unrealistically low prices. The IDA are willing to talk to companies facing difficulties in the concrete products sector. They are encouraging companies to use feasibility or R & D grant programmes to identify new products and processes. The majority of concrete products are non-traded and large-scale export opportunities do not exist. I want to assure the Deputy that the IDA are very well aware of the position.

Further arising from the Minister's reply and a reply he gave to a previous question, would he agree with me that the very good reason behind the setting up of the import substitution unit in his own Department by me in 1982 was specifically to take note of what was happening in relation to imports and to replace them by import substitution products? Is he now saying that unit has been disbanded? If so, when was it disbanded, and does he not see a reason for its existence?

There was a ruling by the European Court of Justice on this matter.

I cannot accept that totally unsatisfactory response to my question. I ask the Minister whether he has disbanded the import substitution unit in his Department. That is directly relevant to the question on the Order Paper. Will he answer yes or no?

I have given an answer and I do not wish to expand upon it.

So it is disbanded. Shame on the Minister.

10.