asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether his attention was directed to the proceedings of the Dublin Board of Public Assistance as reported in the public Press on 12th March; whether he observed the statement attributed to the resident medical superintendent of the Dublin Union that due to the operation of rings, shocking prices were being charged for commodities supplied to the institution; whether the commodities referred to are obtained under a scheme of combined purchasing instituted by his Department and, if so, whether he is in a position to check the profiteering, so far as the Dublin Union is concerned, complained of by the resident medical superintendent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commodities for Dublin Union.
The Minister has observed the report in the Press on March 12th. The article referred to— a baby's bath—is not included in the combined purchasing list. Articles included in the list which could be used for the equipment of wards show a reduction on the prices ruling in 1930-31. If the Deputy wishes I shall make further inquiries.
I would be glad if the Minister would make further inquiries, because this is not an isolated instance in which local authorities have been compelled to call attention to the rising cost of articles of this kind.
Is the Minister aware that large sums of the ratepayers' money and sums under his control granted under the Hospitals Sweepstakes scheme are being used in procuring these classes of commodities, and will he, in these circumstances, waive any regulations that would interfere with the Dublin Board of Assistance or with any other public authority purchasing such goods where they can procure them at a lesser price than from the present suppliers?
If local authorities can get articles of as good quality and cheaper from other sources they are entitled to do so.
I think there are some regulations by which they cannot do that.