Vol. 476 No. 4
20 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Defence the traceability procedures, if any, in place to ensure all reinforced steel used in grant-aided buildings and structures complies with British Standard 4449; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6526/97]
My Department has no grant-aided buildings or structures under its administration nor has it constructed any such premises. As regards Defence Forces installations, the Corps of Engineers specifies, where appropriate in contract documents that all steel to be used in construction should comply with British Standard 4449. In addition, provision is made in contract documentation to have construction materials tested should the site engineer require it.
The Civil Defence branch of my Department on occasions provides grant-aid to local authorities for the construction of buildings. In such circumstances, the local authorities arrange the necessary design work and supervision of the construction.
The Minister may or may not be aware that steel which does not comply with the British Standard referred to in the reply is being sold, or dumped, into the Irish market at low prices. As the Minister has responsibility for awarding public contracts, will he accept it is important that steel used in public contracts, entered into by either of his two Departments, should have a certification, to enable it to be traced back to the steel mill from which it emanated to be absolutely satisfied it meets the BS standard?
I accept there is a need to ensure that British Standard is evident in all cases in which I am involved.
My question relates to traceability. If the steel is getting into the country, how can the Minister be certain it is not being used in the construction of buildings for which his Departments have entered into contracts? Will he agree traceability procedures should be in place and the steel marked as having been certified?
As regards Defence Forces installations, the Corps of Engineers specifies, where appropriate, in contract documents that all steel to be used in construction should comply with British Standard 4449. Provision is made in contract documentation to have construction materials tested should the site engineer require it. I will bring the Deputy's concerns to the attention of the Corps of Engineers on whom we depend and in whom I have absolute confidence. If necessary, we will examine the Deputy's suggestion. There is provision to carry out tests if the site engineer thinks that should be done.
I am grateful to the Minister for that assurance. He may or may not be aware that the Department of the Marine is one of the Departments mentioned as having possibly availed of substandard steel in the past. I am not sure whether that is the case. However, to ensure that this cannot arise I would ask the Minister to ensure the application of the most vigorous inspection methods.
