asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether the lowest tender for the erection of the new National School at Rosslare was accepted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rosslare National School.
—The acceptance of the tender for the erection of the new National School at Rosslare is the duty of the Reverend Manager of the school. The Commissioners of Public Works who advise managers in matters of this kind, advised him in this case to accept a tender which is not the lowest, and it is believed that he intends to follow their advice, but it is not yet known what action he has taken.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state why instructions were issued that the lowest tender should not be accepted?
Mr. Bourke
We have considerable discretion in this matter. The second lowest tender was by a man who is on our list for doing work of major importance, and this is an important work. We have had experience of his work, and we consider that he could carry out this work better than the individual who was lowest. There was only a difference of £2 between the two.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary suggest that a firm established for over 50 years and carrying on very important work is not competent to build a National School in Rosslare?
Mr. Bourke
He has had no experience of carrying out any public work of national importance for us.
That is absolutely untrue; it is a waste of public money.