asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that contrary to the usual custom the last tender for meat to be supplied to Naas Military Barracks was given away privately, and not advertised, and whether he will see that in future outside tenders will be considered?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - NAAS BARRACKS MEAT CONTRACT.
Owing to reorganisation of the Army, it is necessary to extend contracts for all provisions from the 31st March until the end of April. Traders holding contracts were invited to continue supplies at their last quotation. In the case of meat for Naas Barracks the contractor asked for higher prices. It was therefore considered desirable to ask the only other trader who had tendered for the period which ended on the 31st March to give quotations. He did so, and his prices were the lower. The contract for the month of April was, therefore, given to him. The supply of meat beyond the end of April will be on a fresh contract, for which tenders have already been invited by advertisements.
May I ask the President if the custom hitherto observed will be followed—that is, the custom of advertising for tenders, and not accepting private tenders—I mean, will that be adhered to as a general rule?
That is the policy that is being adopted at the present time. Tenders will be asked locally for provisions, and that has been the practice for some time past also.