Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Uniforms.

Ivor Callely

Question:

152 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the cost of uniforms issued by his Department or authorities under the aegis of his Department for each of the years from 1994 to 1996; if he will give a breakdown of such costs; the level, volume and value of stock in store; if he will give details of the quality of materials used; the feedback, if any, there has been on the comfort and benefit to the users of the uniforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11109/97]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Dukes)

The cost of uniforms issued by my Department, including the Meteorological Service, for each of the years from 1994 to 1996 is as follows: 1994, £601.56; 1995, £1,398.93; 1996, £6,624.82.

The breakdown of these costs is as follows:

Year	Clothing issued to each officer	Unit price incl. VAT	No. of officers
		£
1994	1 Long Sleeved Shirt	10.17	11
	1 Short Sleeved Shirt	9.07
	1 Tie	2.54

(+5% Agency fee to the Government Supplies Agency)

Year	Clothing issued to each officer	Unit price incl. VAT	No. of officers
		£
1995	1 Jacket	55.24	11
	1 pair of Trousers	19.76	11
	1 Jacket	54.08	1
	1 pair of Trousers	19.75	1
	1 Jacket	57.28	1
	1 pair of Trousers	19.06	1

(+5% Agency fee to the Government Supplies Agency)

Year	Clothing issued to each officer	Unit price incl. VAT	No. of officers
		£
1996	Men		11
	1 Jacket	114.95
	2 Trousers	48.40
	5 Shirts	23.60
	2 Jumpers	36.30
	2 Ties	7.87
	1 name badge	7.20
	Ladies		4
	1 Jacket	96.80
	2 Skirts or	36.30
	2 Trousers	48.40
	2 Jumpers	36.30
	4 Blouses	19.97
	1 name badge	7.20

A footwear allowance of £25 each was paid to 14 officers in 1994, 15 officers in 1995 and a maximum allowance of £40 was allowed resulting in payment of £393.92 to 10 officers in 1996.

There is currently no uniform stock held in my Department's stores.

The quality of materials used for the uniforms was what was available from the Government Supplies Agency for the years 1994 and 1995. In relation to 1996, the uniforms issued to staff were provided by a private supplier and the material used was based on the samples provided by that company.

Alterations to uniforms where required are dealt with by the relevant officials in my Department and any general observations or complaints/suggestions are noted in order that improvements where necessary can be made when a new issue is made to staff.