asked the Minister for Defence why he allowed the purchase of English-built low loaders when similar low loaders of Irish manufacture were available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Low Loaders.
28.
I assume the Deputy is referring to low loaders ordered on behalf of my Department on the 30th November, 1973. The lowest suitable offer was accepted. The only Irish manufactured low loader offered was not similar.
In relation to equipment for the Defence Forces, would the Minister give preference to Irish manufactured equipment where it is regarded as being of equal value?
Certainly. In fact, the low loader to which the Deputy referred was not similar. It did not have a tilting platform and was higher, making loading that much more difficult.
I understand that loaders suitable for the Minister's requirements could have been manufactured here had the Minister so requested?
I do not think so.
Might I ask the Minister if the manufacturers of the Irish low loader were invited to tender and, if so, whether they were given the specifications for the type of low loader the Department required?
Of course. In fact, they did tender but their type of low loader was a different one and not suitable.
The company was given an opportunity to tender?
Yes. The Irish manufacturers' offer was not similar.
Did the accepted tender include VAT?
Every tender includes VAT.
Is the Minister sure?
Absolutely certain.