asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the number plates for Defence Forces vehicles are manufactured in Britain; and if he is so aware, the reason Irish manufacturers were not asked to tender for these number plates on the same basis as the successful tenderer.
Written Answers. - Vehicle Registration Plates.
242.
Limerick West): At present there are two contracts for the supply of vehicle registration plates to Government Departments. Both contracts are held by Irish firms, and are for plates manufactured in this country. These contracts were placed in accordance with Government contracts procedures, and competitive tenders were invited from all known Irish suppliers.
It has been found recently that registration plates which were not to specification have been supplied under one of the contracts, and my Department has invited tenders with a view to placing new contracts. In this case also, tenders have been invited from all known Irish suppliers. New contracts will be placed shortly.
I should add that contracts are placed by my Department on the basis of competitive tendering, in accordance with Government contracts procedures. Because of this country's membership of the European Economic Community, a Government Department may not insist that all, or any, of the work involved in meeting its supply orders be carried out in the State.