asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the Buy Irish campaign, he has advised all State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of his Department to support the campaign; and if he will indicate the amount of foreign purchases of manufactured goods, on contract or otherwise, by his Department and by the State-sponsored bodies in the past twelve months, excluding goods which are not manufactured in Ireland.
Written Answers. - Buy Irish Campaign.
144.
There are no semi-State bodies operating under the control of my Department. Subject to Government contract regulations, directives of the European Economic Communities, and requirements of the World Bank, it is the policy of my Department to ensure that preference is given to Irish firms and to Irish manufactured goods.
Contracts have not been placed with foreign firms by my Department over the past 12 months except where the regulations, directives and requirements to which I have referred so demanded.
It is not possible to supply detailed information in the form requested by the Deputy since this would involve the expenditure of more time and work than the information would warrant.