asked the Minister for Justice if he will confirm that the purchasing of stores, uniforms, motor vehicles and other equipment for the Garda Síochána is done through the Department of Defence; if he feels that this is the most suitable and efficient method through which these items can be purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Purchase of Garda Stores.
42.
Arrangements for the purchase of some stores for Garda use, mainly uniforms and transport, are made by a central purchasing unit in the Department of Defence, which arranges for the purchase of such stores for all Government Departments and for the Defence Forces as well as for the Garda Síochána. These arrangements are designed primarily to achieve economies through the purchase of bulk supplies and by having purchasing procedures carried out by agencies which specialise in this work. The arrangements were introduced when it became necessary to reallocate the central purchasing functions of the stores branch of the former Department of Post and Telegraphs. I have recently agreed to have the present arrangements examined to see whether they can be improved in any way.