asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that large quantities of iron and steel girders and other materials are being imported fully bolted, riveted and jointed ready for erection at the Custom House, Four Courts, and the General Post Office; that this deprives Irish riveters, platers and mechanics of much-needed employment; if he will issue instructions to the Office of Public Works and to other Departments spending public money that wherever possible they shall insist on all their contractors giving preference to Irish workshops and so reduce the number drawing unemployment benefit from Irish funds.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - IMPORTATION OF IRON AND STEEL GIRDERS
All the steelwork so far used in the Four Courts has been obtained in Dublin, where the bolting, riveting and jointing were carried out. To enable this to be done a substantial preference was given to a Dublin firm, and the Commissioners of Public Works had to undertake erection. At the Custom House half the building is being restored by direct labour, and the steelwork used therein is being obtained on the same conditions as in the case of the Four Courts. The remainder of the Custom House has been let to building contractors on inclusive contracts of which steel forms only a small part. At the General Post Office the contractor for the front block obtained the steel he required from Scotland. He has been directed to obtain quotations for the steel in the second block from local suppliers. Until we see these quotations we cannot say whether he can reasonably be required to obtain his supplies in this way. All steel sections and plates have to be imported, and the question whether the limited amount of shop work requisite in these cases can be carried out locally is one of cost. A preference within the authorised limits has been and will be given to local suppliers.
Will the Minister state whether, before contracts for any additional steel required are given away, he will give the trades affected an opportunity of placing their views before him?
The trades affected can place their views before me at any time.