Vol. 519 No. 3
46 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence if, with regard to the new combat suits in disruptive pattern material, he has satisfied himself with the quality of the suits; if any reports have been received by his Department with regard to difficulties after washing or otherwise in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13730/00]
52 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 8 December 1999, he will identify the material types used in the manufacture of the combat suits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13727/00]
80 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 8 December 1999, he will outline the way in which the design of the disruptive pattern used on the combat suits was decided; the company that was used to create the design; the cost in this regard; if the design is particular and unique to the Defence Forces; if he has satisfied himself with the effectiveness of the design; if the design has been tested using night vision equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13729/00]
107 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the cost of the new uniforms supplied to the Defence Forces; the reason these were sourced overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13706/00]
133 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the cost of the new uniforms supplied to the Defence Forces; the reason these were sourced overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13839/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 52, 80, 107 and 133 together.
The total cost of the supply of combat suits in disruptive pattern material to the Defence Forces is £1,455,200 exclusive of VAT. The suits are being supplied by two companies and the value of each order is as follows:
|
Westport Clothing Limited |
£979,200 exclusive of VAT. |
|
Seyntex N. V. Belgium |
£476,000 exclusive of VAT. |
Both of these contracts were awarded by the Government Supplies Agency following a tender competition which included advertising in the Official Journal of the European Union and in the national newspapers. Tenders were received from 12 companies and following examination, contracts were placed with the two companies which submitted the lowest offers. These contracts were placed in the knowledge that the fabric and garment in both instances were to be manufactured overseas. Ireland's international obligations on procurement prevent the contracting authority from specifying where the goods are to be manufactured or from discriminating on the grounds of country of origin in its assessment of tenders.
The particular disruptive pattern used in the new uniforms was designed by the Defence Forces following trials carried out with various patterns already available, including testing for performance using night vision equipment. The selected pattern is unique to the Defence Forces. No outside agency was involved in the design of the disruptive pattern and, therefore, no cost arose in this regard.
The new uniforms are manufactured from what is described as a 50% polyester-50% cotton mixture rip-stop material. A precise specification was supplied to tenderers and was based on a similar specification which had been used satisfactorily for a number of years for clothing for the Army ranger wing. The Government Supplies Agency examined suits delivered initially to ensure that they conformed to specification and that it was satisfied with the results. In accordance with normal practice, the military authorities will monitor the suits in use. The military authorities have indicated that the new uniform is so far satisfactory and that no difficulties have been reported to date with regard to washing or otherwise.
Is the Minister telling the House that the design of this pattern was done entirely in his Department and in the Defence Forces and that the Defence Forces and his Department have the expertise to design what the Minister called a unique pattern for this uniform, and that they can do so satisfactorily?
The answer to both questions is yes.
Was consideration given to other materials, such as corduroy, instead of polyester cotton? Will the Minister agree that corduroy has a higher resistance and abrasion factor and would have been a far better material to use than the cheaper polyester cotton?
This is an area in which the military authorities have built up considerable expert ise over the years. It was important to take account of the type of activities that our soldiers would be involved in and the different climates, from the cold in Kosovo to the humidity in a place like East Timor. I am satisfied, on the basis of the trials that have been carried out, that the military authorities put intensive effort into the design and preparations before a final decision was taken.
Was an initial batch of uniforms unsatisfactory? If that is the case, what are the details?
My understanding is that the initial batch was not unsatisfactory but that a contract was unfulfilled. I have no knowledge of an unsuitable initial batch. I understand the company concerned was not able to meet the contract in the timespan set down by the authorities and as a result it is void.
Does the Minister agree the design of this uniform is specialised, not an ad hoc operation? Who in the Defence Forces designed the uniform and what are his or her qualifications? Is he or she a graphic designer? I was not aware we had such highly qualified people in the Department or the Defence Forces. Is the Minister aware of the possibility of the print washing off these uniforms? Will this affect the infra-red reflector built into the uniform, with a corresponding safety problem for our soldiers?
There is no question of an ad hoc approach to a serious change in the Defence Forces such as a uniform upgrade which involves significant funds. We wanted a new uniform for years, one made of light material which would be warm in cold climates and relatively manageable in hot climates. I am surprised the Deputy is surprised we have this kind of talent in the Defence Forces. We have been able to manage in all parts of the world and to improvise and compromise as good as the best. I am happy this applies to this speciality, although I cannot give the Deputy details regarding the personnel concerned. The naming of such individuals is not necessary or desirable.
On the problems with the material and the infra-red reflector, I know from my limited experience that precise washing conditions must be adhered to. In the cases where there were problems, it was indicated to me that perhaps people did not follow these. There is room for further investigation so I can give more detailed information.
