asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received representations from several local authorities requesting amendment of the Combined Purchasing Acts with a view to enabling the requirements of local authorities to be purchased locally on a competitive basis; and what action he proposes to take in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Combined Purchasing Acts.
48.
In the past twenty-one years seven requests either for the repeal of Combined Purchasing legislation or for amendment thereof to enable local traders to supply the requirements of local institutions were received in my Department. I am satisfied that the Combined Purchasing Scheme enables local authorities to purchase commodities of a uniform standard at more favourable prices than would be obtained under local contracts and that it would not be in the interests of the general body of ratepayers to amend the law in the manner suggested.