asked the Minister for Defence if the Army have completed their purchase of the Steyr automatic gun; the reason his Department decided to procure armaments outside the EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Procurement of Armaments.
41.
Purchase of the 5.56mm Steyr AUG A1 rifle commenced in 1987 to replace 7.62mm FN rifles which had become obsolete and all Steyr weapons ordered to date have been delivered. Further purchases of Steyr rifles will be subject to future military requirements.
In accordance with established practice equipment for the Defence Forces is purchased on the basis of competitive tendering. Tenders for the 5.56mm rifle were invited from suppliers in a number of countries including EC countries and the Steyr rifle was selected as the most appropriate weapon for the Defence Forces only after extensive testing of the large range of 5.56mm calibre rifles available.