asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the name of the firm or firms employed for the transport of official furniture, office files, etc., to Áras Mhic Dhiarmada, the amount paid for such transport, and whether tenders were invited from C.I.E. or any other firms for the carrying out of the work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Official Furniture.
It is presumed that the Deputy's question refers to the transfer, mainly, of the current files and records of the Department of Social Welfare to Áras Mhic Dhiarmada, in relation to which the provision of the necessary transport was a minor consideration. The paramount considerations were the planning, organising and carrying through of such transfer without dislocation in the work of the Department and the consequent hardship to a very large number of persons dependent on weekly payment of benefits.
In view of these special considerations, which had to be taken into account in relation to the operation, tenders were not invited. It was considered necessary to engage the services of a firm which had previous experience of similar transfers. The name of the firm is Messrs. McHenry Brothers Limited.
As the transfer is not quite finished the full cost cannot be stated.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say if it is a fact that this firm is a well-known supporter of the Fianna Fáil Party?