asked the Minister for Defence if contractors supplying goods to his Department are required to produce evidence that the goods supplied have been manufactured by trade union labour working under trade union conditions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Department of Defence Contracts.
50.
Contractors supplying goods to my Department are not required to produce evidence that the goods supplied have been manufactured by trade union labour, working under trade union conditions. My Department's general conditions of contract, in common with those of other Government Departments, provide, however, that contractors shall pay rates of wages and observe hours of labour not less favourable than those commonly recognised by employers and trade societies in the trade in the district where the work is carried out. The conditions of contract further provide that, whenever required, wages books and time sheets will be produced for inspection.
Do the conditions of contract also apply to any goods purchased outside the State and, if so, could the Minister indicate on what basis he could satisfy himself that goods were being manufactured under a fair wages clause?
If the Deputy puts down a question, I could give him an answer.
51.
asked the Minister for Defence whether on the invitation of tenders for the supply of goods to his Department, preference will be given to goods of Irish origin or Irish manufacture.
It has long been the practice to give a preference to goods of Irish origin or Irish manufacture when purchases are being made by my Department.