asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of unemployment in an Irish firm which formerly manufactured wire for Bord na Móna because the board is now importing wire from abroad; and if the position of the Irish manufacturer as a supplier will be restored.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wire Manufacturing Firm.
31.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that the equipment used for baling peat briquettes has up to recently been hired from a British firm which stipulated as a condition of hirage that the wire used for the baling should be supplied by that firm. The board, however, succeeded in making an arrangement whereby an Irish firm would have the wire drawn and galvanised to the order of the British firm. Some time ago the Irish firm proved incapable of adhering to delivery dates and there was no alternative to obtaining the necessary supply of baling wire direct from the British firm.
The board are now installing new baling machines which use polypropylene strapping manufactured in Ireland. The hired equipment is being phased out.