asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is satisfied that adequate precautions are taken by Irish Alcohol Factories, Limited, to secure competitive tenders for their contracts, and whether he is aware that recently the contract for painting the company's premises at Carrickmacross was given to a Dublin firm of contractors without affording local contractors an opportunity of tendering lower contracts for the work according to specifications.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Alcohol Factories, Ltd.
The matters to which the Deputy's question relates are solely the responsibility of the management of Monarchana Alcoil na h-Eireann which is a public company.
Is it not a fact that the Government, directly or indirectly, contribute substantially to the funds of this company by subscribing to their capital and by permitting them to charge a certain price?
I have no responsibility for their management.
Is it not true that considerable sums of public money are handled by this company and the Dáil is surely entitled to be reassured that the money is being handled with great prudence, if it is to vote large sums to them?
The Dáil decided otherwise by legislation.
They can do what they like? I do not agree with that view. Is it to be assumed that, no matter what public money is handed over to the Irish Alcohol Company, no further query can arise in this House as to how the money is being disposed of?
If the Minister has no responsibility in the matter raised in the question, he cannot be expected to reply.
Is the Chair aware that the affairs of this company were discussed at length before the Public Accounts Committee, and that the Public Accounts Committee will report at pretty extensive length on its activities? If it is relevant to the proceedings of the Public Accounts Committee, how is it that it is not relevant to the proceedings of Dáil Eireann?
If certain companies are given autonomy by legislation, I do not see that the Minister has any responsibility.
I am in your hands, Sir, but I can tell you that these matters were raised at the Public Accounts Committee, and I do not see why, if they can be discussed there, they should not be discussed here.