Vol. 545 No. 5
166 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if clothing contracts for Garda uniforms have recently been transferred from Irish companies to companies outside the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31023/01]
I am informed by the Government Supplies Agency, GSA, which has responsibility for procuring a range of items including uniforms for the Garda Síochána, that it has awarded one contract for the complete supply of all uniforms to the Garda Síochána in 2001 and 2002 to IMC Clothing Limited, Stradhover Industrial Estate, Thurles, County Tipperary. I am also informed by the GSA that this contract was awarded following a competitive tender competition that was advertised nationally and in the European Journal. No clothing contracts have been awarded by the GSA to companies outside the European Union. The GSA is, however, aware that a number of items covered by the con tract referred to will be manufactured outside the European Union.
