asked the Minister for Defence the reason Irish troops serving with UNIFIL cannot be provided with Irish food such as meat and vegetables; if he has been in contact with UNIFIL with a view to getting a contract for Ireland to supply food; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - UNIFIL Food Supplies.
14.
Limerick West): Following an initiative by me in this matter the State agencies principally concerned — Córas Tráchtála, CBF and Bord Bainne — made a co-ordinated effort to interest Irish exporters in supplying UNIFIL. Potential suppliers did not, however, find this market commercially attractive. I do not accept that the matter should be allowed to rest at that and, at my request, further investigations are being conducted by the Minister for Agriculture and Food into opportunities for trade with the UN.