asked the Minister for Justice the number of State cars at present in use for the transport of (a) the Taoiseach and other Ministers and (b) former Ministers of State; and the number of these cars manufactured at the Ford factory, Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Cars.
95.
Mr. Barrett
The number of cars at present in use in the ministerial fleet is, inclusive of relief cars, 34, of which six were assembled by Messrs. Henry Ford and Son, Ltd., Cork.
This is six out of 34. Is that not a very small and insignificant percentage of State cars from the main car industry of the country, from the factory in Cork about which we heard a great deal from the people concerned in the past. In view of the Ministers' laxity in buying cars from the assembly factory in Cork, perhaps the Minister would bring to the notice of his colleagues the desirability of supporting a motor company such as Ford which is giving such a great amount of employment, as against supporting foreign firms. Surely there is an obligation on the State and its Ministers to give good example?
The other cars in the ministerial fleet are assembled here in Ireland as well. The car assembly industry, outside Fords, does give substantial employment.
Mercedes Benz —they are just brought in and assembled here. There is little employment content in the small motor industry.
There is substantial employment in the motor industry, outside of Fords.