asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what arrangements exist to assist or protect Irish manufacturers of concrete products such as pipes and lamp standards; if he is aware that such goods manufactured outside the State are being used in the Ballymun housing project; and if he will take steps to ensure that Irish materials are used whenever available instead of foreign goods.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Irish Concrete Products.
20.
There is an import duty of 40 per cent ad valorem on imported concrete lamp standards. Local Authorities are required to ensure that goods and materials of Irish manufacture are used in their schemes as far as possible.
I am advised that all concrete pipes for the Ballymun Housing project are of Irish manufacture, excluding special large diameter sizes of reinforced concrete pipes which are being imported as they are not available from Irish manufacturers; and that no concrete lamp standards manufactured outside the State are being used in this project.
As regards the final part of the Deputy's question, I understand that the normal requirements in regard to the use of Irish materials in Local Authority housing apply to the Ballymun scheme.
I am not sure whether the Minister said that the 40 per cent ad valorem duty applied to pipes as well as lamp standards.
No.
Is the Minister aware that some Irish manufacturers of pipes which could have been used in Ballymun were not invited to supply them and will he have a word with the authorities in Ballymun to ensure that all manufacturers within the State are invited to tender for this project?
My information is that this large gauge pipe is not made by any Irish manufacturer and has to be imported.
It is made in Dublin South-West.