asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if his Department have hired a van for post office service in the Carlow area since last February to date; if so, the amount paid for such hire; and if he will state the particular qualification of the van hire service that induced his Department to give the contract to them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post Office Van.
45.
A hired van was in use for engineering purposes in the Carlow area from 10th February to 26th April, 1971. It was one of five vans which were hired from the same firm for temporary use in the Portlaoise engineering district. Tenders for the use of these vans were invited from three well-known van-hire firms and the contract was placed following consideration of the tenders received. It would be contrary to practice to divulge information concerning contract prices.
Would the Minister state if it was the lowest tender that was accepted?
I can assure the Deputy that the most favourable tender was accepted.
Would the Minister state why a truck had to be hired?
In February last it was necessary to hire some vehicles in the Portlaoise district which also includes Carlow. I understand a 13 cwt vehicle was acquired for the Carlow area and I presume this is the vehicle the Deputy has in mind. Quotations were received from three firms, all with head offices in Dublin, for the hire of suitably equipped 6 cwt., 17 cwt. and 13 cwt. vehicles and as I have already said a contract was placed because the vans were necessary at the time. The 13 cwt. vehicle was returned on the 25th April and the other two were returned on the 4th March and 1st April respectively. Two vans are still in use, one in Portlaoise and the other in Naas.
Is it the usual practice at times for the Department of Posts and Telegraphs to have to hire trucks like this? When they are hired is the name of the hire firm on the vehicles?
It has been the practice of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs to hire vehicles when they need them, particularly at rush times such as Christmas. The Deputy possibly has a genuine complaint when the name of the firm who owns the van is painted on the side of the van and this is something I shall have to look into.
Is the Minister satisfied there are enough vans in the Carlow area? I have received complaints that people have to go down to the post office to collect parcels because they are not being delivered.
I am quite satisfied we have sufficient vehicles.
Is it true that it is costing in the region of £22.50 a week to hire these vehicles?
I do not have that information.
That would not pay the driver.