asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether it is correct that Córas Iompair Éireann have contracted for the purchase of 50,000 yards of 16 oz. linen duck for making tarpaulins; and, if so, where the contract was placed and, further, if he will state if he has satisfied himself that this contract could not have been carried out by a firm in this country and whether anything can now be done to hold this contract in order to keep Irish workmen in employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Córas Iompair Éireann Contract.
I have made inquiries and have been informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that an order for 20,000 yards of 16-oz. canvas for making tarpaulins was recently placed with a Scottish firm. In explanation of this decision, Córas Iompair Éireann states that the Scotch tender was substantially below the lowest tender submitted by any Irish firm, even allowing for payment of duty.
Arrangements have been made for discussions with representatives of the Irish producers in an endeavour to assist them, in every way possible, to manufacture to the standard of canvas necessary for the company's requirements.
Is the Minister aware that there is a certain amount of redundancy in the textile trade and that the position may now arise wherein Irish workers will leave the country and go to Scotland to work on that very same contract? Surely the small difference that existed would have been compensated for by the fact that Irish workers would have been kept in employment here at home?
I do not disagree with the Deputy. It seems to me, however, that the solution to this problem is to endeavour to effect such changes in the organisation of the firm concerned as will enable them to produce at a lower cost. Steps to that end are being taken.