asked the Minister for Defence whether in the giving of contracts for local supplies to troops he is prepared to arrange that, subject to due regard for economy, a preference should be given to local traders.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CONTRACTS FOR ARMY SUPPLIES.
The arrangement suggested by the Deputy already exists and it is not intended to change it.
asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to make any change in the present system of Army supplies; if he is aware that practically every article required for military barracks is at present obtained from Dublin firms, and if, in future, local contractors will have an opportunity of quoting and will get preference, if they are in a position to supply at as low or lower prices.
It is not intended to make any change in the present system of obtaining army supplies. It is working admirably. I am not aware that practically every article required for military barracks is obtained from Dublin firms. Perishable foodstuffs, for instance, are mostly obtained locally. I should say, however, that I do not control the purchase of supplies for the Army other than foodstuffs, firearms and transport material. Tenders for foodstuffs are invited through the medium of the Press. Everybody consequently has an equal opportunity of quoting. Preference is given to local traders in this connection if other conditions, for example, price, quality of goods, etc., are equally favourable.
Is the Minister aware that for supplies such as coal, local contractors are not asked to quote; that the supplies are sent direct from Dublin without giving the local people an opportunity of quoting?
Supplies such as coal do not come within my Department. They are purchased by other Departments, and I do not know what arrangement is made for their purchase.
Will the Minister say who is responsible for purchasing supplies for the army outside his own Department?
I believe, from my limited knowledge at the moment, that it is the Board of Works, or some committees thereof.
Is the Minister aware that this particular barracks is supplied with coal from the Dublin Command? Surely the Dublin Command is under the Minister?
I am not dealing with any particular barracks. I have not been asked a specific question about any particular barracks.
This question deals with a particular barracks.
If a question is put, the Minister for Finance might answer it. The general question of supplies is not one for the Minister for Defence.