asked the Minister for Agriculture whether the machinery used in connection with the land reclamation scheme in County Wexford was advertised for sale, and, if so, if he will state to whom it was sold and the amount received for it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Reclamation Machinery.
The machinery was advertised for sale by private tender and was disposed of at the highest prices obtainable. It would be contrary to established practice to publicise the names of purchasers or the prices obtained for individual items sold by private tender.
Is the public then not to be told who bought machinery belonging to the State and the prices paid for it? I think the public should be told.
The Deputy's representations regarding that matter will engage my most careful consideration. I understand the practice heretofore has not been to provide this information. I shall have the reasons for the acceptance of that practice further and carefully examined. I need hardly direct the attention of the Deputy to the fact that I did not sell the machinery.
That is why I asked the question. The Minister's predecessor sold it.