asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state (1) on what conditions contractors for medicines and drugs are placed on the prescribed list for supplies to local authorities; (2) whether any preference is given (a) to Irish-owned firms as against non-Irish owned firms and (b) firms manufacturing in the Saorstát as against firms importing.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Drugs and Medicines to Local Authorities.
Official contractors whose prices are lowest are appointed for the supply of medicines and drugs to local authorities, provided the quality of their goods is up to the required standard, and provided I am satisfied that they are competent to fulfil satisfactorily the requirements of the local authorities as regards promptness of delivery and general service.
Careful consideration is given to the matters referred to in the second part of the question when the list of official contractors is being prepared.
Is the Minister aware that the contractor who got on to the list employs only approximately 30 people, while another manufacturing firm in the city employs 100 people? Can the Minister say that a trade union rate of wage is paid by the firm which obtained the contract?
I wonder if the Deputy asked these questions when the board of assistance, over which he presides, last year refused to accept the official contractor, and took instead this firm to which he now refers?
I would ask the Minister to confirm that statement by letter to me, if he so desires. This year, quite the contrary happened, and the firm I refer to was given the contract by the board of assistance.
That is right.