asked the Minister for Defence if it is a fact that imported material is used in the manufacture of certain Army officer uniforms; and, if so, whether he will ensure that in future only material of Irish origin and manufacture is used.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Officer Uniforms.
18.
Army officers are in receipt of uniform allowance and arrange directly with approved tailoring establishments for the making up of their uniforms. These establishments must purchase the main material, that is to say, the worsted cloth, from my Department. This material is made in Ireland. The tailoring establishments make their own arrangements for obtaining subsidiary materials such as linings and thread.
Would the Minister consider it necessary to issue a directive that all trimmings and other subsidiary materials used in making officers uniforms should be of Irish manufacture where at all possible?
I would agree with the Deputy.
Am I right in saying no such directive is issued at the moment?
The purchase of materials other than the main material, that is the cloth from which the uniforms are made, is a matter for the individual officer.
Am I right in saying no directive is issued to the officer or the tailor to ensure that subsidiary materials are of Irish manufacture?
The main materials are purchased from the Department. I will have the question of the linings and the thread looked at. I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Deputy.
Does the Minister agree such a directive should be issued?
I will have a look at that.