Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2022
125. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to immediately increase the allocated associated budget given the recent commentary regarding the Defence Forces rations and the increasing cost of food. [3833/22]
View answer126. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the daily ration rate for enlisted personnel in the Defence Forces; if it is in line with best practice within the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3900/22]
View answer137. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence his views on reports that the Defence Forces are attempting to feed members for just €4.20 per day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3892/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 126 and 137 together.
Defence Forces personnel may avail of daily meals in certain circumstances. This includes personnel engaged in security duties, approved training courses, on operational exercises and single personnel living in barracks.
I am advised that a daily ration rate is set by the military authorities and that this rate is used as a budgeting figure by military cooks when supplying meals to personnel. The rate is currently €4.20 per day.
The rate was originally calculated based on a scale of provisions determined to deliver nutritionally balanced meals with recommended levels of essential food groups and having regard to the cost of such food to the Defence Forces and economies of scale that are achieved. I am advised that the rate has been adjusted over time to provide for inflation.
The Office of Government Procurement has put framework contract arrangements in place for major food procurements for the Defence Forces and other public service bodies. The centralised framework contract arrangements allow for the procurement of fish, dairy, frozen foods, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables, bread and eggs. Average annual expenditure in this area in the three years 2019 to 2021 has been €3.2 million.
The military authorities have advised me that the daily ration rate will be reviewed having regard to the re-tendering of OGP food contracts, a process which is currently underway. I also note that PDFORRA have raised this matter and their views will be considered.
