Michael Ring
Question:170 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence the source of the beef supplied to Army personnel; if it is Irish beef; and if not, the country of origin. [13574/01]
Written Answers - Army Provisions.
A contract for the supply of beef to military barracks nationwide during the period 1 May 2001 to 30 April 2002 has been placed by the military authorities with Mr. John Duffy Limited, The Diamond, Raphoe, County Donegal. Mr. Duffy obtains his cattle from farmers in County Donegal and from local marts.
Michael Ring
Question:171 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence if troops training abroad are protected from any possible contact with BSE infected beef, particularly beef from Uruguay and Brazil; and if he can guarantee that troops are not given beef from Uruguay or Brazil. [13575/01]
In the case of individuals sent for training at a centre abroad, there is no direct control that can be exercised by the Defence Forces on where or what they eat. The training centres abroad are run by reputable authorities or are subject to selection by them or by the Defence Forces here.
In the case of groups of personnel serving or training abroad, the food is purchased under contract by the United Nations, who in turn operate stringent practices in its purchase.