asked the Minister for Transport and Power if it is a fact that the ESB have imported fuel oil from Russia; and, if so, if he will state the amount and the price paid for it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Oil Imports.
8.
I am informed by the Board that, to meet their requirements for the current year, they have placed contracts which should absorb the total amount of residual fuel oil available from the Whitegate Refinery after the requirements of other users have been met and to meet the balance of their requirements have invited tenders from some 20 suppliers. The contract was awarded to a Dublin firm of fuel importers and the oil will be imported from the USSR. It would be contrary to established practice to disclose particulars of the tenders received or the price quoted by the successful tenderer.
Will the Minister agree with me that most people in this country would feel that the buying of oil from Russia is an undesirable practice?
There has been no decision on this matter. There are purchases from Russia of other products.
Will the Minister agree with me that it is common knowledge that an Irish firm quoted a price 10/-per long ton cheaper than the Russian price for this fuel oil?
I have no information on that.
For our new ally, we have the Soviet Union.
Question No. 9 postponed.