Sir, - As I compose this reply on my Apple Mac computer (just one of 10 Mac machines in my department alone), I cannot help but feel some sympathy for the sentiments expressed by Mr Corbett in your letters columns (July 1st). I must contradict him firmly, however, regarding his assertions about SIPTU's equipment procurement policy.
During recent years SIPTU has been computerising all of its branches. Contrary to Mr Corbett's assertion we wrote to Apple and other major suppliers seeking tenders for supply. Some replied and decisions were made based on pre-determined criteria. No reply was received from Apple. This subsequently was raised as an issue by some of our members. We met with them and explained our procurement procedures to their satisfaction. We also wrote to Apple seeking a meeting to discuss this and our future requirements. Again no reply was received.
The software for SIPTU's membership and financial information systems is highly specialised and is not compatible with some computers. As a consequence we use a Vax and numbers of PCs for this work. In specialist departments, such as Communications and Training, we use Macs. There are plans to decentralise much of our financial information system in the future and that will present a new opportunity to look again at our procurement policies. All goods and services we use are supplied by union houses and should Apple decide to respond to our next tender announcement they would, of course, be included for proper consideration. - Yours, etc., Mike Fitzgerald, Head of Media Affairs,
Liberty Hall, Dublin 1.