asked the Minister for Health if health boards are permitted to seek tenders for goods from Irish producers only; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Board Tenders.
11.
This country's membership of the European Economic Community would preclude health boards seeking tenders exclusively from Irish firms.
Health boards are, however, fully aware of the importance of buying Irish made goods and my information is that the boards purchase such goods whenever possible.
Close contact is maintained between my Department, the Department of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the Irish Goods Council in relation to the use of Irish made goods by health agencies.
Will the Minister tell the House the last time a circular issued from the Department to the health boards recommending — if that is not at variance with the diktat of Brussels — that where possible health boards should purchase Irish manufactured goods or services?
During the year a number of communications went to the health boards and a number of meetings were held to ensure that officials know when Irish made goods are available. We take this matter very seriously and we are anxious to ensure that health boards are fully aware of the Irish made materials that are available. From time to time it is brought to my attention that Irish manufacturers have products which they did not have the previous year and that they are in a position to tender for health board supplies. I ensure that that is brought to the attention of the health boards concerned.
In order to enable Members to assist the Minister in the Buy Irish campaign will he place in the Library details of the circulars he sent to the health boards so that we can ensure that the work he has initiated is pursued.
I will consider that. Certainly, I will give the content of the letters. There are difficulties in relation to how far we can go within the EEC regulations and I am sure the Deputy appreciates that.
We can go as far as the British or the French.