asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the reason for the undue delay in providing and renewing uniforms, bicycles and accessories for postmen in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Postmen's Uniforms.
21.
Delays in providing and renewing uniforms for some postmen have occurred owing to supply and staffing difficulties. The supply situation has recently improved, however, and it is hoped to meet all outstanding requisitions for uniforms except caps within the next few weeks and to meet the bulk of the outstanding requisitions for caps within the same period.
The position in regard to postmen's cycles has been difficult for several years. Supplies of this particular type of cycle have not been commercially available in sufficient quantities to meet all the Department's demands but, except for the Christmas pressure period, requisitions are now being met without delay. Difficulties have also arisen in getting supplies of the main accessories for postmen's cycles, and efforts to locate alternative sources of supply of these items have had only limited success so far.
May I ask the Minister whether in all cases where possible the materials and these various accessories he spoke about are of Irish manufacture?
Yes, indeed and that is one of the reasons why it has not been altogether easy to secure renewals because in some cases the facilities for manufacturing the items locally are quite limited.