asked the Minister for Defence if he will state if, in respect of foodstuffs supplied to the Army, there existed any system of veterinary or other inspection to ensure that such foodstuffs were not unfit for human consumption, putrefying, tainted, slimy or stale; and if so, whether, as a result of any such inspection, any contractor for the supply of foodstuffs to the Army, since September, 1939, was deprived of his contract.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Army Foodstuffs.
There has always existed a system of inspection—including veterinary inspection—to ensure that foodstuffs supplied to the Army are fit for human consumption.
Such foodstuffs are examined before acceptance by experienced military officers specially trained for the purpose. Army medical and Army veterinary officers examine consignments of foodstuffs from time to time either in the normal course of their duties or by arrangement with the officers detailed to accept deliveries when any doubt arises as to the quality of supplies. Civilian medical and veterinary officers are called in to examine consignments of foodstuffs in cases where expert opinion is thought desirable and Army medical or Army veterinary officers are not available. From time to time military officers from the Department's inspection branch also examine stocks and deliveries of foodstuffs at the various barracks and posts throughout the country. In addition, two military food inspectors—officers specially trained and experienced—make surprise visits to the various military establishments and examine the foodstuffs in stores or in course of delivery. The services of technical civilian experts are also obtained in connection with deliveries of canned foodstuffs.
Whilst no contract was terminated since September, 1939, as a result of such inspections, 41 contractors' names have been removed from the Department's lists of suppliers because of unsatisfactory deliveries during the periods in which they held contracts.
Is the Minister aware that it was stated on oath in open court recently that slimy and stale bacon was disposed of by selling it to the Army for consumption by the soldiers under an Army contract? If this statement is not correct, what steps does the Minister propose to take to vindicate the reputation of the officers to whom the duty of making these purchases was entrusted against that reflection on their integrity?
Major de Valera
Arising out of the Minister's reply, would the Minister say whether during the period of the emergency the purchase of supplies of foodstuffs for troops scattered around the country largely devolved on the local quartermaster and often on the local commander?
That is quite so. In reply to Deputy Dillon, I am only concerned with the facts as I have stated them and with nothing further.
I asked the Minister a supplementary question arising out of his answer, which he says describes the methods of inspection and check which existed. I asked him was his attention directed to a statement made——
The Deputy cannot repeat the question.
Surely, I can press the Minister to answer my question. What steps will he take to vindicate the integrity of the officers involved?
That is a separate question.
It has been vindicated in the answer which I have given in reply to the question.
There has been no such vindication.
Mr. Walsh
Set up another tribunal.
There may be several tribunals before this is over.
Mr. Walsh
That will settle it. It will take the wind out of your sails.
Arising out of the Minister's reply to the supplementary question put by Deputy de Valera, he agreed that responsibility was placed upon the local commanding officer and on the quartermaster, and he said that that was quite correct. I want to ask the Minister is he placing on the quartermaster and on the commanding officer responsibility for accepting this particular type of bacon for the troops who were serving this country in its hour of peril?
The Deputy is suggesting that is what I am doing.
Can the Minister say if the Monaghan Curing Company were supplying bacon to the Army since 1939?
They swore they were supplying stale and slimy bacon.
Oh, no.