asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the Mental Hospital Committee of Counties Monaghan and Cavan are dissatisfied with Government contractors generally, in that the goods are stated not to be up to sample and delays are unreasonable; and that the Medical Superintendent states that it takes almost two months to get delivery of drugs.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - MENTAL HOSPITALS AND GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS.
As regards the first part of the question only one specific case has been given to me. The article to which reference is made is of the same standard quality as that selected by the representatives of mental hospitals at a Conference held in June, 1922, for the purpose of selecting such standards. As regards the last part of the question I understand some delay was occasioned by Customs difficulties at the commencement of the new arrangement, but that has now been rectified.
Will the Minister say whether the Trade Board is in the same position as an ordinary contractor?
With reference to what?
To any contract—the same as the old contractors were?
Yes, undoubtedly.
Can the Minister say whether only one specific case was brought under his notice from this institution or from other institutions generally, and would the Minister say whether he has received complaints from a number of these institutions as to the standard of articles supplied, and in many cases whether the articles supplied were not up to standard?
I received only one specific objection from County Monaghan, but I have received various other objections from other institutions.
Would the Minister say that the complaint was that the articles supplied were not up to standard?
Yes, that was the complaint.
Has the Minister received similar complaints from other institutions?
I have.
That does not arise.
Will the Minister approach the Minister for Finance with a view to having the Customs delays minimised?
Is there any contract signed by this Board, or are securities given, so as to ensure that the Board will carry out its duties?
That, I think is another question.