asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether contracts have been placed by his Department for the haulage and supply of turf to Collins Barracks, Cork, and other military posts this season and whether tenders were invited by public advertisement or otherwise; and, if not, the reason.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Haulage to Military Posts.
Contracts have been placed by my Department for the production of turf this season for Collins Barracks, Cork, and for other military posts throughout the country. Some of these contracts provide for the delivery of the turf into barracks by the contractors and others provide for delivery to railway stations near the bogs. Tenders were not invited by public advertisement, the circumstances being as follows. Arising from the fuel crisis which developed towards the end of last year and in pursuance of Government policy in this matter, it became necessary for my Department to arrange specially for the production of turf for Army requirements. Having regard to the many problems of both local and general concern involved, the advice and experience of Bord na Móna were availed of in preparing a suitable scheme. In respect of each locality approved for the production of turf for the Army, the board furnished a list of persons who were considered competent to undertake the work. Contracts were placed by my Department with the persons who were prepared to produce the turf on the most favourable terms. In these circumstances it was considered that advertising was unnecessary and would not have increased the field of suitable potential contractors.
Will the Minister ensure that for future contracts tenders will be looked for?
In this particular case I am informed that the people who actually carried out the work were the people who usually reply to advertisements for tenders of that kind.
Is the Minister aware that Cork Corporation and other bodies asked for tenders for the delivery of turf this year; they have received tenders but not from the people who usually deliver to Collins Barracks and other places?