asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the units of the Irish Army which have been issued with combat uniforms, 1,550 in number, brought into this country from Britain as stated in his reply of the 23rd July, 1970.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Combat Uniforms.
109.
The combat uniforms bought from British manufacturers were issued, as required, to personnel of various units engaged on special duties as, indeed, were combat uniforms of Irish manufacture.
Have any of the units issued with these uniforms been put on Border patrol since August, 1969?
That is a separate question.
Orders for uniforms and military equipment are placed with Irish firms as far as possible at all times, in fact, considerable allowance has been exercised in the placing of such orders to the advantage of Irish manufacturers.
Is it not true to say that Irish Army units on Border patrol have been issued with combat tunics and trousers which came from Britain?
If an emergency arises certain measures will have to be taken.
It takes the Government three years to move on anything.
The Minister knows what happened to a former Minister for Defence——
When the State was founded they built up this Army when other people were running it down. Michael Collins founded it.
(Interruptions.)
Will Deputies allow question to continue?
Are units on Border patrols wearing British uniforms?
They are wearing uniforms appropriate to the Army of the State.