Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Contracts.

Alan Shatter

Question:

179 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Finance the details of a contract awarded to a men's fashion store (details supplied) in Dublin city to supply the Garda with motorcycle leather wear; if the contract was put out to tender; the number who responded to the tender; if the contract was awarded to the lowest tender; if he will detail the exact clothing to be supplied; the price of the contract; and if he has satisfied himself that the taxpayer received the best value for money. [25838/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Cullen)

The Government Supplies Agency manages the purchase of personal protective equipment on behalf of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

I am advised that the contract for the supply of 425 leather motorcycle suits was put out to competitive tender. It was advertised in the European Journal, National Newspapers and invitation to tender were also issued to firms on the Government Supplies Agency's bid list of approved suppliers.

The motorcycle leatherwear comprises one jacket with two detachable liners and one trouser with one detachable liner. The specification requires that the suit offer the wearer protection from impact, abrasion and water ingress. Uniformity in design and makeup are also required. The garment is made be measure.

Six firms responded to the competition, i.e. Carra Ireland Ltd., Kestrel Fashions Ltd., Branded Leather Co., Kawasaki Distributors, A.T. Uniforms Ltd. and Hideout Leathers Ltd. The contract was awarded to the following suppliers:

A. T. Uniforms Limited, 31 Waterloo Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 and Carra Ireland Ltd., Carra House, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Dublin 13.

A. T. Uniforms Limited was awarded the contract for 325 suits @ £625 per suit, on the grounds that the offer conformed to the requirements of the competition and was deemed the most economically advantageous offer received. The following decision criteria were taken into account: price, quality, after sales service, delivery and track record in the supply of certified personal protective equipment. The quality, after sales service and delivery requirements of the competition were set by the garda.

Carra Ireland Ltd., was awarded a trial contract for 100 suits @ £525 per suit to test an alternative product, which marginally failed to meet the specification but was the lowest priced offer received. This action gave a new competitively priced supplier the opportunity to acquire a proven track record, thus increasing future competition in an area of limited supply. It also tested an alternative commercial standard, with a view to revising the specification for future requirements.

I am satisfied that the taxpayer received the best value for money.