asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether it is his intention to give the contract for the steel windows for the new industrial alcohol factories to a Free State firm, and, if so, whether he will expedite the giving of that contract so that some of the present unemployment may be relieved, and that both the manufacturing firm and the alcohol factory authorities may be relieved of the anxieties and possible losses associated with rushed work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Contract for Steel Windows
The Deputy may be assured that, in accordance with my general policy, everything possible will be done to secure that the maximum amount of work in connection with the erection of the industrial alcohol factories will be carried out in the Saorstát and by Saorstát labour.
Is the Minister not aware that the tenders in connection with this matter were submitted three months ago and will he say what is the delay in coming to a decision in regard to them, particularly in view of the fact that there is considerable unemployment in this section of industry?
I have nothing to add to the reply I have given.
Can the Minister not say what is the delay in coming to a decision with regard to these tenders?
There has been no undue delay in arriving at a decision.
Does the Minister consider that a period of three months is not an undue delay in taking a decision as to whether tenders in connection with the making of windows shall be accepted?
In all the circumstances, no.
Will the Minister consider, as against the circumstances which enable him to tolerate this delay, the fact that there is a considerable amount of unemployment in this particular branch of industry, and will he endeavour to hasten a decision with regard to the giving of this contract?
I am not aware of the circumstances to which the Deputy refers.
The Minister ought to know.
Does any special significance attach to the Minister's description of his activities as "my policy" as opposed to the usual description of "the policy of the Executive Council?"
No.