asked the Minister for Defence if he will state if a recent inquiry for tenders for 60 stand pipes was issued by the Department of Defence and what was the specification to which Irish manufacturers were asked to quote, whether the contract was given to a non-Irish firm, and if so, will he state how much cheaper the English manufacturer was and what promise of delivery was given by the English firm; and if he is aware that there are 20 unemployed brass finishers at present on the books of the Brass Finishers' Society.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tender for Stand Pipes.
On the 11th October last, tenders were invited from eight firms for the supply of 60 stand pipes, the only requirement specified in the tender being that the pipes should be 2½ inches to suit ball hydrants. The order was eventually placed with a Dublin firm which acts as agent for a non-Irish firm, the contract providing for delivery at the rate of 20 pipes per week, commencing from four to six weeks from the date of placing the order. It is contrary to the practice of my Department to disclose the prices quoted by competing firms, but the lowest quotation received for Irish-made stand pipes was 61 per cent. higher than that accepted. The answer to the last part of the Deputy's question is in the affirmative.
Can the Minister say if a specification was issued for this contract?
The only specification that appears to be mentioned is that referred to by me in my reply, namely, that "the only requirement specified in the tender being that the pipes should be 2½ inches to suit ball hydrants".
May I ask the Minister how he was able to come to a determination with regard to the cheapest price offered if there was no specification other than that, especially in view of the fact that these pipes can be had here at prices ranging from £3 to £7, and are being supplied to the Dublin Corporation?
I am not able to say if there was any additional specification required.