Jack Wall
Question:73 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the reason new combat uniforms for the Defence Forces were manufactured outside of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4532/00]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Uniforms.
In July 1998, the Government Supplies Agency published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Communities inviting tenders for the supply of combat suits for the Defence Forces for the years 1999 and 2000. Publication of this notice is necessary to comply with Ireland's obligations under the government purchasing agreement of the World Trade Organisation and under EU directives on public procurement. These international obligations prevent the agency from specifying where the suits are to be manufactured, or from discriminating on the grounds of nationality in its assessment of tenders. Contracts must be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender.
Twelve valid tenders were received, none of which offered garments made in Ireland. A contract was placed on 19 October 1998 with an Irish firm for garments to be made in China. This firm subsequently encountered difficulties in obtaining suitable fabric. In order to meet urgent requirements to equip a UNIFIL battalion travelling to Lebanon, a second contract was placed on 5 May 1999 with a Belgian firm for garments to be made in Romania. This contract has been completed satisfactorily. Deliveries under the first contract are expected to be completed shortly. I am satisfied that all appropriate procedures were followed in this case.