asked the Minister for External Affairs if any representations have been made by the Government to the contract section of the United Nations for an opportunity to quote for supplies of beef, bacon and other foodstuffs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - United Nations Food Contracts.
8.
Our permanent Mission to the United Nations and the Córas Tráchtála Office in New York keep continuous contact with the Contracts Office of the United Nations about the inclusion of Irish firms in tenders for foodstuffs. Formerly the UN Contracts Office had 12 Irish firms on the list to be invited to bid for UN foodstuff contracts but nine were deleted following their failure to supply bids over a period of time.
The UN have made it clear that they would be most happy to hear from Irish firms who might wish to bid for their UN requirements and would be prepared to indicate the selling procedure and the quality and kinds of foodstuffs which are required.
I may add that Córas Tráchtála already circulates copies of specifications for UN tenders to firms in Ireland.
Is the Minister aware that the various people who engage in the carcase meat trade have said that they have never been asked to quote for the supply of meat to the United Nations? That fact was published during the week and there must be something misleading about the reply.
The reply I gave is accurate.
Can we take it that these commodities are submitted as a result of tenders sought?
Yes, competitive tenders.
And the suppliers are free to compete?
Yes. I have a note which says that the Irish Fresh Meat Exporters' Association have been informed of tenders for meat since 1960.
There has been a public denial of that.