asked the Minister for Finance whether it is the practice of the Board of Works to specify Irish-made paints in contracts for decorating work in Government Buildings; whether he is aware it is stated that premises at 8 Hume Street, Dublin, are being painted with imported paint, and that the Dublin Broadcasting Station Studio was recently painted throughout with the same imported paint, and whether this was a breach of the instructions given to the contractors; and whether he will take steps to ensure that paints manufactured in the Saorstát are used on all such works in future.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - USE OF IRISH PAINT.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
The specifications of the Commissioners of Public Works provide that—
"All materials, appliances and fittings required for the works are, wherever possible, to be obtained from manufacturers operating in the Saorstát. Where any materials, appliances and fittings of Irish manufacture are not procurable, or, if procurable, are not of suitable quality and reasonable cost, the facts are to be reported to the Commissioners, who will issue instructions as to the course to be followed in each case."
Portion of the painting work at No. 8 Hume Street was done with Gay's imported paint, the remaining portion was painted with paint of Saorstát manufacture.
The Dublin Broadcasting Studio received only a finishing coat of imported paint upon previously painted work.
It is regretted that the rule laid down in the specifications as quoted above was overlooked in these cases, and steps have been taken to secure that it shall be carefully observed in future.
Will the Minister say whether these instructions will be enforced in connection with other materials, as well as paints? Is he aware that large quantities of steel and iron work for Government buildings have been imported, leaving very little work for Irishmen to do?
May I ask the Minister if he will consider the desirability of having affixed on premises where work is being done the main lines of specification, so that the men concerned will know whether the specification is being carried out or not? There is very good reason for believing that in many cases the specification is not carried out and that two coats of paint are sometimes given when three are required.
That is a matter that I would like to have time to consider.
Would the Minister consider the point which I raised?
I did not get the Deputy's point on that matter as being a new point.
The Deputy can put down a separate question on the matter.