asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that in the CIE paint spraying shop in Inchicore Scandinavian kraft paper is used for masking purposes; and if, having regard to the desirability of State-sponsored companies using materials of Irish manufacture, he will take steps with a view to having Irish paper used in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Scandinavian Kraft Paper.
25.
I have been informed by CIE that in August, 1966 an inquiry was issued to the Irish manufacturers and wholesale paper suppliers for four tons of brown wrapping paper required for masking purposes in the Board's paint spraying shop at Inchicore; paper of Irish manufacture was specified. CIE have always obtained supplies of brown wrapping paper from the Irish mills.
Neither the paper mills nor the wholesalers were able to supply, as manufacture of the paper required had not been resumed after the strike in the paper mills. As a consequence, an order was issued for one ton only of imported paper for immediate delivery and the balance of the order was for three tons of the Irish product as it became available.
Can the Minister say whether the Irish paper is yet available?
I cannot say.
The Minister should move to make inquiries because it is deplorable that an Irish Government concern, a semi-State body, should take foreign paper.