(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that imported padded bags have been used in the distribution of the current register of electors.

I understand that imported padded envelopes were used this year by Dublin Corporation for the distribution of the register of electors. I am advised by the corporation, who have a reasonable discretion in such matters, that they used these padded envelopes to obviate a repetition of complaints which arose in previous years regarding non-delivery of and damage to the registers in the course of passage through the post. It is understood that envelopes of this type are not manufactured in this country.

(Dublin Central): Would the Minister agree that at a time when there is so much unemployment in the paper manufacturing industry Dublin Corporation should have seen fit to place their order with Irish manufacturers? It is disgraceful to see these registers being delivered in the city in wrappers manufactured by foreign manufacturers.

I agree they should have made an attempt, as other local authorities did, to have these registers delivered in Irish manufactured wrappings. I believe it was as a result of complaints from public representatives of these registers being lost or the packages arriving torn that these particular wrappers were imported this year. I do not think any Irish manufacturer would be willing to change his manufacturing process for the sake of the amount involved, £37.92—it is not a big amount—but I agree with the principle of supporting home industries and I hope that will be the practice in future.

(Dublin Central): This gives a bad impression. Local authorities should use Irish manufactured products if at all possible.

Perhaps the Deputy would talk to some of the members of Dublin Corporation.

The Minister's word would have some effect.

Hindsight is a very good thing and I know now but, had I known earlier, this would not have been allowed. I cannot take back what has been allowed. I will make sure that for the next 20 years it will not happen again.