asked the Minister for Finance if he will state for each five-year period from 1932 to the latest date available the total amount paid by the Office of Public Works for furniture (1)made in Ireland and (2) made in other countries for use in State Departments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Expenditure on Furniture.
The records available do not enable me to give the Deputy the information requested for the full period from 1932. During the last five years, the expenditure incurred on furnishing State Departments amounted to £240,000 approximately. In that period, the value of contracts placed for imported articles was about £25,000, of which £14,000 was in respect of extra heavy linoleum which is not made in this country. The balance of £11,000 covered contracts for miscellaneous articles, such as fireproof office safes, special types of steel cabinets and shelving, upholstery materials, etc.
I am allowing for certain things happening but I think it is about time that the people responsible for the importation of any class of furniture should cease doing so.
That is not a question.