asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the fact that many houses will now be built without State grants or aid, he will state how he will ensure that Irish manufactured materials are used.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Materials.
4.
In accordance with article 42 of the Treaty of Accession to the European Economic Community the preference for Irish materials in grant-type houses had to be discontinued with effect from 1st January, 1975. However, while there is no legal power to insist on the use of Irish materials, I have repeatedly pressed local authorities and builders generally to ensure that, other things being equal, home-produced materials should be used to the maximum extent possible in order to maintain employment and help reduce the balance of payments deficit.
Did the Minister state what date that order came into force?
In regard to Irish materials?
The Minister quoted a directive from EEC?
With effect from 1st January, 1975.
Why then was it allowed to continue for 1975, as we all agreed, and it cannot continue further? Did not the position obtain in 1975 that if you applied for a grant it was insisted on by the inspector that you used so much Irish material? Is the Minister aware of that?
No, but I advised inspectors, contractors and county managers and anybody that I could advise on those matters that I would prefer Irish material to be used. Possibly this is what the Deputy is talking about. I do not think he would disagree with the idea that people should be encouraged to use Irish materials but from 1st January, 1975 we cannot insist on it.
Is the Minister aware that inspectors insisted and even fined people for not using Irish locks?
I am not so aware and I would not like to give the matter too much publicity.
Why did the change not come in on 1st January, 1975, and it has come in now? I doubt if it has to come in at all.
The regulation was in force from 1st January, 1975. If Deputy Meaney thinks it was wrong to insist on using Irish materials where possible —I do not think he does—I would be surprised if he would suggest that there was anything wrong in doing it——
I do not want my words twisted by the Minister. I am asking a reasonable question.
The Deputy wants to know why we did not insist last year on all Irish materials. As far as I was concerned the notification that all EEC countries' products had equal standing with Irish materials for the building of houses was in operation, I do not propose to take any punitive action against any inspector who was over-zealous in ensuring that Irish materials were used.
Would the Minister take any action to continue the scheme?
I cannot; the Deputy should know that.
The Minister could if he wanted to.
No, I could not.