asked the Minister for Defence if, in respect of purchases made by his Department, he will indicate the number from foreign countries; the type of items; and whether Irish-made products could have been purchased instead.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Purchases.
27.
The particulars I am giving relate to orders valued upwards of £5,000 each. It would not be possible, without a disproportionate expenditure of official time, to examine all minor purchases.
In the calendar year 1974 my Department made 56 purchases from foreign countries. These comprised: defensive equipment, signal equipment, aircraft and accessories, a marine engine, heavy duty linoleum, gymnasium equipment and portable trackway for vehicles.
Irish manufacturers do not produce items of the type purchased or acceptable alternatives therefor.
Are the Panhards included in this?
I take it that such items as the Panhard armoured cars are included in the item "defensive equipment".
Will the Minister state if he has any plans to make a prototype of this vehicle in this country?
There are three prototypes operating in the Army. They were shown to the general staff, myself and other people who are interested about three weeks ago at the Curragh. The Timoney vehicle appears to be superior in many ways and various people in the country are interested in manufacturing the vehicles. I hope they will be manufactured here.
When does the Minister hope this will happen?
Professor Timoney is operating as a private company and I cannot answer for him. All I can tell the Deputy is that every help and support will be given to him.