Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Uniforms.

Ivor Callely

Question:

97 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment 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. [11100/97]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

The cost of uniforms issued by my Department during these years was as follows: 1994, £4,632.87 (clothing £3,857.87 footwear £775); 1995, £6,163.41 (clothing £5,438.41 footwear £725); 1996, £7,906.62 (clothing £7,206.62 footwear £700).

No stocks are maintained by my Department. The quality of materials used is the appropriate specification for the working conditions of the staff concerned. There has been no adverse feedback in my Department regarding the uniforms but some discussions are planned at a central level regarding possible changes in certain aspects.

In relation to the other authorities which come under the aegis of my Department, this issue is a day to day internal matter for those bodies and not one in which I have a direct function.