Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces' Uniforms.

Ivor Callely

Question:

127 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the place of purchase of uniforms used by the Defence Forces; the total cost of these uniforms in 1995; the quantity of supply; the problems, if any, that have arisen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7991/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

The bulk of uniforms supplied to the Defence Forces are manufactured in Ireland. In 1995 two contracts — totalling £192,400 — were awarded to foreign firms for the manufacture of a small quantity of clothing of a specialised design which could not be sourced in Ireland.

The total cost of items of clothing supplied to the Defence Forces in 1995 amounted to £4,379,000. These items included tunics, trousers, jerseys, shirts, together with various quantities of footwear and head-dress. Details of the precise quantities and cost involved in respect of each item are not readily available.