asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether any turf was supplied to the Army at the Curragh or elsewhere from west Offaly, and, if so, the quantity and by whom it was supplied, whether the contracts for this turf were given privately or by tender and the price paid, and further whether he is aware of the quality of the turf and if any of it had been previously rejected by the Dublin Board of Assistance or any other institution.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Turf Supplies.
A total of 13,207 tons of turf was supplied from west Offaly by two contractors to military establishments at the Curragh and Dublin. Tenders were not invited by public advertisement for this turf because, arising from the fuel crisis which developed towards the end of last year and in pursuance of Government policy in the 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. Three such persons were nominated for west Offaly and contracts were placed by my Department with the two 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. It is not the practice of my Department to disclose either contractors' names or the contract prices. Special instructions were issued to the responsible military officers that only turf which was of good quality and well-dried should be accepted. I am advised that all the turf accepted complied with this requirement and I am not aware that any of it was previously rejected by any other body.
In view of the dissatisfaction that has prevailed in the area because of a large contract for turf being given to a school teacher would the Minister undertake in future to have tenders advertised in the ordinary way and not have these contracts given privately?
This contract was entered into by my predecessor and not by me.
I am asking the Minister to ensure in future that these tenders will be advertised. Will the Minister do that?
Yes.
Mr. O'Higgins
If you do that you will lose a supporter.