asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (1) the present position as regards the contract for building the oil wharves pier at Haulbowline; (2) whether tenders have been invited for the completion of the contract, and, if so, whether any tender has been accepted and when work is likely to be resumed; (3) if tenders have not been invited the steps, if any his Department are taking to have the pier built; (4) the approximate period that will elapse from the time work on the contract is resumed to the completion of the contract, and (5) whether, in view of the seriousness of the position, he is prepared to make temporary arrangements for the utilisation of the 6,000,000 gallons of oil storage available so that the bunkering of ships may be resumed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Haulbowline Oil Wharves.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the date on which his Department were notified of the inability of the contractors who had the contract for the oil wharves pier at Haulbowline to carry out their contract.
With the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.
Approximately, one-third of the contract for the construction of the jetty had been completed in October, 1950, when work was suspended by the contractors pending consideration of representations made by them regarding the site conditions. Alternative proposals for completion of the work have been and still are under discussion with the contractors, and the question of inviting fresh tenders has not, therefore, arisen. It is hoped that a decision may be reached shortly and, assuming no further unforeseen difficulties, it is estimated that the jetty can be completed within 12 months from the date upon which work is resumed. I have no functions in regard to the bunkering of ships.
Question No. 38.
What about the reply to Question No. 37?
Questions Nos. 36 and 37 were answered together.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment. The Parliamentary Secretary is no doubt aware of the reply I got from the Minister for Defence last week, namely, that the Navy have to go to Dublin to refuel.
The Deputy cannot make a speech on the matter now.
May I point out that negotiations with the contractors are at present at a very delicate stage and that any discussion of the matter would be unwise?
There are many delicate matters these days.
I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.
To do harm.