(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if a consultancy study of the operations of the Post Office, as recommended by the National Prices Commission, has commenced; and, if not, whether he intends to initiate such a study.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post Office Consultancy Study.
2.
The National Prices Commission have been asked to arrange for a consultancy study. The study has not yet commenced.
(Dublin Central): The National Prices Commission, when the Minister increased prices last November, recommended that a consultancy study should be carried out of the Minister's Department. Could he give any indication when this study will be carried out?
My Department have requested the Department of Industry and Commerce to ask the National Prices Commission to arrange for a consultancy study. The commission, in consultation with the Department, are currently setting the terms of reference for the consultancy. The inviting of tenders for the study and the selection of the consultants will, of course, be a matter for the Department of Industry and Commerce.
(Dublin Central): Will the Minister indicate if all the accounts and the various books which will be necessary to carry out this study will be made available?
Of course.
(Dublin Central): Will the Minister abide by the decision of the consultancy study?
I can give no undertaking of that kind. The Deputy will readily understand that the report will have to be considered. I will certainly give careful consideration to any recommendation that may be made but I cannot give a blank advance undertaking about recommendations the scope and nature of which I do not know.
(Dublin Central): The Minister has already rejected the recommendation of the Prices Commission as regards the increase on RTE.
A question, please, Deputy, and it must be relevant. This is not relevant.
(Dublin Central): It is very relevant. There is no good wasting time on a consultancy study unless the Minister is prepared to make all accounts available.
The Deputy must pursue the matter by way of supplementary question.
I have already told the Deputy and the Dáil I will make all accounts available. I have also told him that I cannot bind myself in advance.
(Dublin Central): But the Minister is prepared to publish the findings.
Of course.
Is the Minister going to give any preference to the question of hiring Irish consultants or is he satisfied we do not have a firm competent to deal with this?
I am sure the National Prices Commission, who are the body primarily concerned, will be anxious to secure Irish consultants, if at all possible.
Will the Minister make any recommendation to the National Prices Commission in this regard or follow the example——
As we have asked the National Prices Commission to set up the consultancy study I think the matter is one in the first instance for the National Prices Commission at the present stage and I do not propose to make any recommendation to them regarding a consultancy study they are going to carry out into my Department. I do not think that would be proper.
The Minister would not recommend an Irish firm.