Vol. 433 No. 7
89 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he takes to ensure that sewage treatment plants approved by his Department use Irish-made equipment; and if he will give the number of contracts he has approved or which are awaiting approval which involve the use of imported technology such as Danish centrifuges.
Specifications for public contracts are drawn up by reference to national and EC standards. Under EC law, public authorities are prohibited from taking any action which discriminates against products and materials manufactured in other member states of the European Community. Irish made products are used extensively in water and sanitary services schemes on the basis of their compliance with relevant specifications for a contract and their cost effectiveness.
Detailed information regarding contracts approved, or awaiting approval, which involve the use of imported technology, is not available in my Department.
