Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
75. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that gardaí have been told the new uniform is unsuitable for court appearances; his views on whether this represents value for money given the estimated cost of provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11511/22]
View answerOfficials from the Office of Government Procurement in my Department assisted An Garda Síochána in the procurement process for a new uniform, with An Garda Síochána holding responsibility for developing the specifications based on requirements and intended use. An Garda Síochána evaluated the tender submissions received, awarded the contract and made all the relevant decisions therein.
All public organisations are required under the Public Spending Code to treat public funds with care and to ensure that the best possible value for money is obtained whenever public money is being spent or invested.
The operational deployment of the new uniform is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
