asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in view of the "Buy Irish" campaign, he has advised all State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of his Department to support the campaign; and if he will indicate the amount of foreign purchases of manufactured goods, on contract or otherwise, by his Department and by the State-sponsored bodies in the past twelve months, excluding goods which are not manufactured in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Goods Purchases.
7.
The answer to the first part of the question is "No" but I am satisfied that RTE, the only State-sponsored body under the aegis of my Department, is fully conscious of the desirability of giving maximum support to Irish industry by purchasing Irish goods wherever possible.
During 1975 my Department purchased from foreign firms goods to the value of about £679,000 where Irish manufacturers had submitted tenders. During the same period my Department purchased goods manufactured, processed or assembled in Ireland to the value of about £10.57 million.
The corresponding figures in respect of RTE are £24,000 and £1.026 million respectively.
Did the Minister actually give a direction to RTE in regard to this matter? He said he assumed they were responsible. Would he agree to communicate with them and emphasise Government policy on this matter?
It was unnecessary to give any such direction because it is specifically laid down in the purchasing policy of RTE that Irish material and products are purchased where available and suitable.
Could I ask the Minister to give a breakdown of the materials purchased abroad under the figure of £679,000?
If the Deputy will put down a question about that, I will answer it.