asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the make of car to be provided in the future for the use of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cars for Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.
As I mentioned in reply to a question on 19th June it has been decided to substitute smaller cars as replacements are required. Six Rovers and two Mercedes are now on order to provide for necessary replacements.
On whose advice was the new type of car chosen to replace the American type of car?
I could not say.
Could the Minister say why it has been decided to change to the alternative British make of car now provided to replace the alternative British car provided in the past when it was decided not to have the American type of car? On whose advice was this decision taken?
The previous cars, so far as I know, were Customline or Dodge.
An alternative British car was bought by the Government prior to this. On whose advice has the decision as regards the British alternative make of car been changed?
In the main, the previous cars were Dodges and Customlines.
Yes, but when it was decided to have an alternative British car the Rover was not the car chosen. Why is it that that decision is now being reversed or changed and on what ground? Did the Government get expert advice? Did they put this matter for tender, or invite tenders? Did they lay down any specifications? Did they invite any alternative offers?
The type of car chosen has changed from year to year.