asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state if it is proposed to print the next issue of the telephone directory on imported newsprint; and, if so, if he will state the reasons for not using Irish manufactured paper as has been the practice hitherto.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Directory Newsprint.
Paper of the quality desired for the next issue of the telephone directory could not be procured with suitable delivery terms and at reasonable cost from the Irish mills. The Stationery Office can, however, meet the bulk of the order by using paper already in stock which is regarded as reasonably suitable. It has, accordingly, been arranged to use this paper which, I understand, was imported in 1952.
Is the Minister aware that Irish mills quoted for the quality of paper required by the Stationery Office, that an Irish mill was able to meet the delivery dates and that it was only at a late stage that the Stationery Office changed the specification of the paper they required? Is he satisfied that every step was taken to ensure that this paper was obtained from Irish mills, which would provide work for Irish workers and meet the requirements of his Department?
The arrangements for purchasing supplies of stationery of all kinds including paper for the telephone directory are made by the Stationery Office, which is under the control of the Minister for Finance. The purchasing arrangements are entirely a matter for the Department of Finance.
I am quite aware that it is a matter for the Stationery Office, but the publication of the telephone directory is the responsibility of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and it will be their responsibility for issuing that directory on imported paper. Might I further inquire whether any steps were taken to check on the bona fides of the offer made personally to the Minister on the 3rd June by an Irish mill to supply paper of suitable quality at a competitive price and on a date to meet the delivery requirements of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs? Were any steps taken to check on that?
I am afraid that the details the Deputy requires would be better supplied by the Minister for Finance. As far as I am concerned the Stationery Office issued paper of a reasonable standard for the production of the telephone directory, which I am anxious to get issued. I am assured that the paper is of reasonable standard. I have seen a pull-off copy. The terms of the contract are purely a matter for the Department of Finance.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I desire to raise this question on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy in the course of the evening.