Vol. 221 No. 1
asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a report that Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann are importing sulphate of ammonia from a communist bloc country; and that Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta have stated they could meet the quotas required by Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann both in price and quality if given the opportunity to do so; and if he is in a position to make a statement on the matter or if he contemplates holding an inquiry.
20.
asked the Minister for Finance why the services of Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta have not been utilised by the Irish Sugar Company in their recent purchase of sulphate of ammonia; and why negotiations did not take place with Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta before it was decided to purchase from East Germany.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
I have now made inquiries into the matters referred to in these questions from which I understand that the only imported sulphate of ammonia received by Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta during the 1965-66 fertiliser season was the quantity of 1,430 tons they purchased from an Irish supplier with whom a contract was placed in July last. This contract was made after Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta had informed Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta that they did not expect to be able to meet Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta's needs of sulphate of ammonia for the 1965-66 season as at that stage their full anticipated production for the season had been allocated to customers by whom firm orders had already been placed.
