asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the name of the motor car firm to which was awarded the contract, without prior public invitation of tenders, of £50,000 for the provision of ministerial State cars over the next four years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministerial State Cars.
No such contract has been entered into. In accordance with established practice cars are purchased as required by the Controller of Stores from the assemblers direct.
Can the Minister say from whom these cars have been purchased?
Or how many pals have benefited?
No. 30.
Sir, I direct your attention to the fact that I have asked a supplementary question.
The Chair has no power to force a Minister to answer any question.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state in regard to the nine makes of cars considered as replacements for ministerial State cars to which, and to how many of the nine firms concerned or their agents specifications were submitted and tenders asked for before the decision to discontinue the use of American cars was arrived at the number of new cars and makes which it is proposed to provide over the next four years; the average estimated cost of each proposed new car; and the average cost, when new, of the cars which are to be replaced.
The procedure followed was the usual procedure which is to purchase such cars as may be required through the Controller of Stores from the assemblers direct. The particular cars selected were of smaller dimensions and horse power than the cars that were being replaced and, in accordance with precedent, the wishes of the users were taken into account. There was never any question of preparing specifications or inviting tenders as the requisite information regarding the range of cars available was already known.
Some 36 replacement cars are likely to be required over the next four years but no commitment has been entered into regarding future supplies. The particular make and model to be purchased will be determined as the need for replacement arises in the light of the circumstances then obtaining, including the range of cars available, their prices and the requirements of the individual Ministers.
The average cost of the cars likely to be required as replacements in the next four years was estimated, in connection with the Deputy's question of the 30th October, at £1,400.
The present cost of the cars which will fall to be replaced is on the average £1,460.
Can the Minister now say who are the assemblers who provided these cars?
The Ballsbridge Motor Company in one respect and Lincoln and Nolan in the other.
It took a long time to get that.
There is no secret about that.
I know, but there is reticence.