asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the present unemployment situation, he will direct semi-State bodies to ensure that employment will be offered to Irish contractors as far as this is possible for any projects undertaken by such bodies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Semi-State Body Employment.
19.
I am satisfied that semi-State bodies for which I am responsible are aware of the importance of ensuring that, for any projects undertaken by them, employment will be offered to Irish contractors as far as this is possible.
Is the Minister aware that, in relation to certain developments in Cork Harbour, Irish contractors and Irish firms are proving singularly unsuccessful in their efforts to get these contracts?
I am aware of one such instance which I presume prompted this question. In this context it is worth saying that there was a clause in the agreement by the promoting firm to the effect that the contractor should endeavour to procure Irish equipment, materials and supplies to the extent that such items are available and competitive. In the actual instance, I understand that 90 per cent of all the materials will be Irish and the balance—specialised wire reinforcing— not made in this country will be imported. All the equipment required on the site will be hired locally and more than three-quarters of the work force will be local.
Is the Minister aware that, with the exception of a contract for earth moving, which is in itself fairly large but nonetheless only a small part of the overall development, no other contract has so far been awarded to an Irish firm and the way things are going it looks unlikely as if any will?
I cannot agree with the last part of the Deputy's question. I do not think that is the position. The Deputy will be aware that this is highly expert work and in this particular case the firm which obtained the contract as against the firm which failed to obtain it was in the position that the firm which failed had named the firm which did obtain it as a consultant. There are not too many people in the world to do this specialised work.