asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the reason why the contract for building an air sea rescue launch for his Department was given to a Scottish firm instead of to an Irish firm which would have given much needed employment in the vicinity of Cobh and Crosshaven where a very reputable firm of launch builders undertake such work; and if he will take steps to ensure that any future contracts will not be given to firms outside the country without the fullest explanation of the reason advanced against the Irish firms; and, further, if he will indicate the price quoted by the Scottish firm.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rescue Launch Contract.
I was most anxious that the contract for building an air sea rescue launch for service in the Shannon Estuary should be placed with an Irish firm, and I gave the matter very full consideration before reaching a decision. The launch is, however, of a highly specialised kind and after full consideration of the advice tendered to me by my technical advisers I was regretfully forced to the conclusion that I had no choice but to place the order with a specialist outside firm.
It would be contrary to established practice to disclose particulars of tenders received.
Might I ask the Minister if at this stage he is prepared to receive a deputation from the directors of this firm in Crosshaven who would put all the facts of the present dangerous situation before him?
That has nothing to do with it. The order for the construction of this launch has been placed. Before coming to a decision, I had the yard inspected twice. On the first occasion, it was inspected by a representative of a firm of naval architects with an official from my Department, and on the second occasion by officials of Irish Shipping Limited. It was on the basis of their report to me that I came to the conclusion the firm was not equipped to produce the very specialised type of vessel required.
Rather than discuss the matter here and permit any political propaganda to be made out of it, would the Minister be prepared to meet me this evening and discuss this problem?
The order has been placed. So far as the directors of this firm are concerned, they have no reason to think that they have not full access to the Department, and the Department is prepared to give them ample support.
Would the Minister meet me?
That is not a matter to settle here.
Did the Minister decide to place the contract as a result of the price?
The price had nothing to do with it.