asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that some of the Irish Army horses are equipped with saddles made by a well-known English firm; and that first quality saddles are manufactured at Kilcullen, County Kildare; and whether, in view of the present Buy Irish campaign, he will ensure that in future all Army horses are equipped with Irish made saddles.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Horse Saddles.
30.
I am aware that some of the Irish army horses are equipped with saddles made by an English firm. Irish made saddles have not, in recent years, been offered in response to my Department's invitations to tender for supplies and I am not aware that first quality saddles are manufactured at Kilcullen, County Kildare. I cannot give an undertaking that I will ensure that in future all army horses are equipped with Irish made saddles since, as the Deputy is no doubt aware, purchases of saddles, in common with purchases of other supplies for Government Departments, are made on the basis of competitive tendering. If, however, the Deputy will furnish me with the name and address of the manufacturer he has in mind, I shall arrange, provided the manufacturer is considered capable of producing saddles suitable for army use, to afford him an opportunity of quoting when saddles are next required.
Be Irish; buy Irish.