Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

David Stanton

Question:

112 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the companies engaged to supply disturbed pattern type combat uniforms; when the order for supply of these uniforms was placed; where the uniforms are manufactured; when they will be issued; the branches of the Defence Forces which will receive them; the cost in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26486/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Contracts were placed by the Government Supplies Agency on behalf of my Department with the following companies for the supply of combat suits in disruptive pattern material:

(1)	Westport Clothing Ltd	(2)	Seyntex N.V.
	Castlebar Road		Seyntexlaan 1
	Westport		8700 Tielt
	Co. Mayo		Belgium.

The order was placed with Westport Clothing on 16 October 1998 and the order was placed with Seyntex NV on 5 May 1999.

Both the fabric and garments of the suits supplied by Westport Clothing were manufactured in China. The fabric of the suits supplied by Seyntex NV was manufactured in Belgium while the garments were produced in Romania.

The uniforms are expected to be issued to and in use exclusively by Army personnel by early March 2000. The total value of the orders is £1.455 million approximately, exclusive of VAT.