asked the Minister for Finance if he will state why British rainwater and vent fittings were used in the building of the new post office at St. Andrew Street, Dublin, when Irish foundries could supply home manufactured goods of equal suitability.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rainwater and Vent Fittings.
The rainwater goods and vent fittings used in this building, being mostly enclosed in ducts, are made of enamelled steel. Goods of this type are not manufactured in this country.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a number of foundries in this country are capable of supplying goods of equal suitability to those used in the St. Andrew Street Exchange, and will he say why a Government Department prescribes the use of British rainwater and vent fittings when our own foundries are at present finding it extremely difficult to keep workers in employment?
In accordance with modern architectural practice in a building of this kind, the greater part of the rainwater pipes and vent fittings are situated in closed ducts within the framework of the building and are not accessible for maintenance repainting. It was essential, therefore, to use enamelled steel pipes instead of cast-iron pipes and these enamelled pipes are not manufactured in this country. The pipes used—trade name, Vitreflex —are manufactured in Wales. They are largely used for buildings in this country.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether it is not possible to plan our Irish architecture in such a way that we can provide buildings suitable for our own requirements by utilising Irish rainwater and vent fittings which are available?
The record of the Fianna Fáil Government regarding Irish industry can compare more than favourably with that of the Cumann na nGaedheal or the Coalition Government.
Did the Parliamentary Secretary consider the use of aluminium pipes for this purpose?
Question No. 24.