asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether continental telephones were purchased by his Department, and, if so, whether they proved successful from the point of view of normal maintenance; and whether it is proposed to replace some of these machines, and, if so, if he will ensure that in future only Irish assembled telephones will be purchased by his Department, even though the initial cost may be slightly higher than that of those manufactured on the Continent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Continental Telephones.
Telephones of continental manufacture have been ordered by my Department on many occasions during the past 25 years. Different continental makes are in use at present and it would be contrary to practice to disclose whether a particular firm's product is proving successful.
In regard to future purchases, I regret that I cannot give the assurance requested by the Deputy. As with Government purchases in general, telephones are bought by competitive tendering and in the allocation of orders regard must be had to the prices tendered as well as to other relevant factors. In the consideration of tenders, preference will continue to be given to Irish-assembled articles.