asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the grave inconvenience caused to local authorities by the delay in the issuing of the combined purchasing list; and when this list will be issued.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Combined Purchasing List.
30.
I am not aware of any grave inconvenience caused to local authorities by the delay in issuing the Official List of Contractors for 1962-63. Several factors have contributed to the delay such as printing difficulties, and a marked increase in the number of tenders received as compared with previous years. It is hoped, however, to have the official list in the hands of local authorities within the next 14 days, which will be somewhat earlier than last year and in the meantime full particulars of Contractors for any particular commodities will be furnished to local authorities immediately on request.
The list of Special Medical Preparations for 1962-63 will be in the hands of health authorities and hospital authorities before the end of this week.
Would the Minister say what local authorities are expected to do, or how they are supposed to order in the period between the discontinuance of the combined purchasing list and the publication of the new list?
The only thing I can say that might be of help to the Deputy is that, as I said, if a local authority who require the information which has not yet been issued get in touch with the Department they will get it.
I do not know if they are generally aware of that. Some inconvenience has been caused and perhaps the Minister would try to see that it is corrected by next year?
That is the formula whereby we get over this matter.
It would cost a lot for phone calls.
You cannot get the list out the next day after the old one has been discontinued.
Will the Minister bear it in mind for next year?
Yes.