I have been requested to ask the Minister if he has received a complaint—a copy of which has reached me—from Co. Clare, where certain traders complain—and not, I believe, for the first time—that certain provisions of the Combined Purchasing Act have been used, or abused, by officials there. It appears that they have been using their position as officials of some of the local government authorities in the county to make purchases of certain goods through the combined purchasing department for their private use and benefit. The traders in that area complain of that. The complaint I have is dated 1st December, but I understand that complaints were made previously to the Department of Local Government and that, according to the traders, they have got no satisfaction. If I am not mistaken, complaints of this kind were made here, not by me, but by others, regarding similar practices in other parts of the country either last year or the year before. On one occasion, I think, the Minister stated that he had not had any cases put to him directly, and that if such complaints had been made he would have investigated them. I would like to know if the Minister has had complaints from Co. Clare, and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to deal with them. These traders suggest that he should hold a sworn inquiry. I do not know if that would be possible. If it is a fact, as alleged in the complaint, that public officials are using the combined purchasing department to purchase various articles for their own use and for the use of their families, it is certainly a matter that should receive the earnest attention of the Minister.
Money Resolution. - Expiring Laws Bill, 1930—Report Stage.
As I understand, this complaint was raised on the discussion of this measure last year by, I think, Deputy Moore and some other Deputies. My recollection is that I said I had received no complaint, but that I would go into the matter if I received any. I have not received a single communication of complaint. If, as I think is suggested, a complaint dated 1st December has come in, then all I can say is that it will be examined. But it is rather remarkable, in spite of the fact that the matter was raised by more than one Deputy at this time last year, that there has been no response in the meantime to my offer to go into any complaint.
The Minister was not present when I stated that a complaint was sent recently to him. The document I have is dated 1st December. I am informed that a complaint was sent in recently to the Minister—I do not know on what date—from the people who sent it to me. It is signed by a gentleman whose name should be familiar on the opposite benches—Mr. James O'Regan, of Ennis. I am informed that he is one of those who have sent a complaint to the Department. That may or may not be correct. Mr. O'Regan and the others acting with him hope that a sworn inquiry may be set up. I do not know if such a thing would be possible. Having had the matter brought to his attention, I am sure the Minister will, in accordance with his promise of last year, look into the matter, especially as I am informed the complaint has been sent to his Department.