asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the failure on the part of Government purchasing agents to give preference to Irish manufacturers thereby forcing many concerns to operate under capacity and at high cost; if new steps will be taken to ensure the fullest use by the Government of the country's manufacturing capacity and employment potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Buying of Irish Goods.
11.
I am not so aware; on the contrary, it is the general practice of Government Departments to give a preference to Irish manufactured goods in the placing of contracts for the purchase of supplies. It will be appreciated, however, that Departments are from time to time obliged to purchase imported goods where suitable home-produced articles are not available or where the price differential is excessive.