asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he has seen reports that only four building contractors were invited to tender for the construction of the new television studios at Donnybrook which are costing approximately half a million pounds; if so, why the contract was not advertised for public tender; and if he will arrange, if necessary by the introduction of legislation, that the established practice of public bodies of inviting public tenders for all large contracts shall not be departed from by Radio Éireann in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donnybrook Television Studios.
54.
The invitation of tenders for the building of the studios lies within the competence of the Authority and I see no reason why I should question the exercise of their discretion in this regard.
Is the Minister aware that only four contractors in this country were invited to tender for this contract and that in the City of Dublin alone there are at least 20 contractors with sufficient equipment, ability and capital to do the work and who would have been glad to tender for a project like this? I think it is very unfair.