asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that civil servants are supplied with pencils which are made in Great Britain although the world-famous manufacturers, Faber-Castell, are making pencils in their Fermoy factory; and if he will take steps to have Irish-made pencils supplied to civil servants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pencils for Civil Service Use.
10.
In accordance with the rules of Government contractual procedure, tenders are invited for the supply of pencils for use in the Civil Service. It has happened, on occasion, that tenders for the supply of pencils made in Britain quoted lower prices than the tenders submitted by Messrs. Faber-Castell despite the customs duty which protects pencils manufactured in this country. It is usual in such cases to award the contract to the firm quoting the lowest price.
Does the Minister not accept it that when there is a firm manufacturing pencils in this country —I think there are two of them—the issue of invitations for contracts should be limited to them?
We have a 33? per cent. tariff and the home manufacturers have that advantage. During the last couple of years, the home manufacturers got £1,437 and only £300 went outside the country.
Does it not appear ridiculous, if we have a firm manufacturing pencils in this country, that we should have a pencil like the pencil I have here bearing the words "Oifig an tSoláthair" on one side and "Made in Britain" on the other?
Is it the case that although we have a 33? per cent. tariff in favour of the Irish firms, outside firms can come in and compete successfully for the supply of pencils?
It has happened.
How are we to stand on our own feet in the Free Trade Area in view of that?
It could be a case of dumping.