Charles Flanagan
Question:62 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made regarding the tender for the contract for armoured personnel carriers. [16590/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:99 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made regarding the tender for the contract for armoured personnel carriers. [16809/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 99 together.
The competition for the procurement of armoured personnel carriers by my Department is currently under way and last February two vehicles which complied fully with the initial technical specification were selected to go forward to the final stage of the tender competition. The successful proposals were submitted by Mowag of Switzerland who manufacture the "Piranha" APC and Steyr-Daimler-Puch of Austria who manufacture the "Pandur" APC.
Both suppliers were asked to prepare formal tenders on the basis of a detailed specification. Completed tenders are being evaluated at present to determine technical merit and the best economic advantage to the Department of Defence. The evaluation process included trials in Ireland, over a two month period, of both vehicles by the Defence Forces and these trials were completed last week. Further tests are due to take place at the manufacturers' premises in August.
The tender evaluation process will continue with a view to placing a contract for the supply of the selected vehicle in the required configurations, together with associated future maintenance and technical support.
I am hopeful that a contract can be concluded within the next few months and the first APCs should arrive towards the end of next year.
Ivor Callely
Question:63 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the cost of the provision of uniforms to members of the Defence Forces in 1998; the tender procedures for suppliers of uniforms; the list of suppliers; the list of total suppliers over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16311/99]
Contracts for the supply of uniforms to the Defence Forces are placed on behalf of my Department by the Government Supplies Agency. It is the normal policy of that agency to acquire goods and services by competitive tender in accordance with Government contracts procedures and the European Union public procurement directives.
The cost of the provision of uniforms to the Defence Forces in 1998 amounted to £1.03 million. The following companies have supplied uniforms in recent years: Westport Clothing, County Mayo, Shannon Clothing, Limerick, Acorn Fashions, County Wexford, Franklins, London, Brian O'Gorman, Cork, and Azzuri Limited Waterford.