asked the Minister for Defence whether two patrol boats are at present in a dockyard in Dublin undergoing repair; whether competitive estimates were obtained for the docking and repairs, before the work was put in hands, and whether he will also state the outlay to date and the probable outlay that will be required.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - REPAIRS TO PATROL BOATS.
Repairs to two patrol boats found to be necessary as a result of Lloyd's survey have just been completed. Estimates were first obtained for the docking and the other work, but I regret that the principle of competition was not duly observed in the matter. The outlay will be approximately £900.
Does the Minister know whether or not that on this job certain ex-British soldiers under the British Army scheme of technical education are being employed at a wage probably of not more than 10s. a week? And that they are not learning any trade at all, but are only doing ordinary labouring work which local labourers should be doing.
I am not aware of the fact stated.
Will the Minister have inquiries made into the matter?
Yes.
Will the Minister say why competitive tenders were not asked for this work?
There appears to be no adequate reason why competitive tenders were not obtained. Estimates were obtained from one firm at Ringsend, and from Haulbowline. Estimates for docking were given by a firm at £36 for two boats. At Haulbowline the estimate was £50, and 11s. per week for keeping the dock dry. The estimates for repairs given by the firm in question was £793 10s for one boat, and £115 10s. for another boat. In the case of Haulbowline no total estimate was given. It was stated that the work would be charged for at cost price.
Are we to understand that in the future competitive tenders will be obtained for similar work?
Certainly.