Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2005
178 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the next tendering process will be held for the supply of cattle ear tags; if it is intended that only one supplier will be given the entire contract due to the fact that there are a number of suppliers involved in supplying sheep tags which seems to have the effect of keeping the price of sheep ear tags very low; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36078/05]
View answerA request for tenders for the supply of cattle ear tags and bovine registration documents for the 2007 season and later years is expected to issue by the Department early in 2006. It is the intention to seek tenders for a range of alternative supply arrangements including multiple suppliers. Ultimately, the decision to approve more than one service supplier will depend on the quality of the proposals received, including, in particular, the suitability of the ear tags submitted by tenderers and their demonstrated ability to provide the services requested in the tender.
