asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that his Department purchase materials for use in Irish Embassies that are manufactured by foreign companies and that a number of those goods are manufactured and available in Ireland.
Written Answers. - Purchase of Irish Goods.
36.
The Deputy is not specific as to the type of materials or the locations in which they are alleged to be in use. By way of general statement, however, I can say that the policy of the Commissioners of Public Works in relation to furnishing and fitting out of our Embassy premises abroad is to supply the maximum amount of Irish manufactured goods which is consistent with considerations of economy and efficiency in each individual case.
In certain circumstances items which are required urgently or which may require ongoing maintenance are purchased locally and while some such items may be available in Ireland, availability is not the only factor to be taken into account. The nature of the goods and freight costs are also factors to be considered.