asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of any practice in any State-sponsored bodies in this country of the issuing to workers of protective clothing and footwear of foreign manufacture; and if so, if he will give details of the bodies involved, the quantity of goods imported and the steps he is taking to substitute items of Irish manufacture.
Written Answers. - Protective Clothing.
155.
I am not aware that it is the practice of any State-sponsored body to provide imported equipment to workers where suitable Irish-produced alternatives are available. I am satisfied that it is the policy of the State-sponsored bodies to purchase goods, including protective clothing and footwear, which are manufactured in Ireland and are up to the required standard in so far as this is possible. I am satisfied also that State-sponsored bodies generally are fully aware of the desirability and benefits of using Irish-produced goods and that they do this to the maximum extent possible.
It is perhaps necessary to remind the Deputy that it is not possible under the terms of our EEC commitments to direct that Irish-produced goods be used by State-sponsored bodies to the exclusion of similar products from other Community sources.