asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a report in the last issue of Oibre, the bulletin of the Commissioners of Public Works, which stated that Irish carpet layers travelled to the Irish Embassy in Peking, China, to lay carpets; and, if so, the cost of the trip.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Embassy In China.
11.
Mr. Leonard
I am aware of the article in Oibre referred to in the question. As part of the fitting out of the new embassy in Peking a contract was placed with an Irish firm in May 1980 for the supply, delivery and laying of Irish made carpets. As the tender was a lump sum one including, inter alia, the cost of sending men to fit the carpets, the information sought by the Deputy is not available. In any event, it is contrary to established practice to disclose details of an accepted tender.
Mr. Leonard
I am disturbed to hear that information regarding the cost is not available. Does the Minister of State accept that county councils and local authorities issue to the press the results of a whole range of tenders for goods and services? Why does the Office of Public Works not do so?
For several reasons it is common practice not to issue information with regard to tenders.
Mr. Leonard
It seems strange that this was a lump sum tender. Admittedly tenders were sought from Irish manufacturers. I take it they were competitive. It is unreasonable to assume that because it is a comparatively simple job to lay a carpet, the carpets could have been shipped out there and laid by craftsmen in that country?
All firms are anxious to lay their own carpets. It would remind me of somebody buying a bottle of wine and bringing it to a lounge barman and asking him to open it. The Irish firms were competitive but the price was an all-in price for laying the carpet and bringing it out there.
Mr. Leonard
I am concerned that we cannot get the figure. As public representatives we are entitled to that. Newspaper reports have suggested that it would cost many thousands of pounds not alone to lay the carpet but for the flights out to and back from Peking. How does the Minister justify the cost when there would be only a few hours work involved in laying a carpet? I take it China would have the expertise to lay a carpet since they built the atomic bomb. I do not see any validity in the Minister of State's argument.
I am amazed at the Deputy's interest in this matter now. He knew about this eight months ago. He waited until his colleague was out of office to ask this question. The proper procedure was followed. A contract was received for the provision and laying of the carpet.
Next question, please.
Are they Killybegs carpets? If they are I am satisfied.
They were Irish carpets and that should be good enough for any Irishman.
I am a Donegal man.