Vol. 398 No. 4
15 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline his policy in relation to the sourcing and procurement of Defence Forces requirements, including uniforms and vehicles, from Irish suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Contracts for the supply of equipment and other requirements for the Defence Forces are awarded on the basis of competitive tendering in accordance with Government contracts procedure. It is the established practice that Irish suppliers and firms are invited to tender for all such contracts. In the case of uniforms and vehicles contracts are arranged by my Department through the Government supplies agency.
Will the Minister give a commitment that every effort will be made to ensure that the requirements of the Defence Forces, particularly clothing and footwear, will be made in Ireland? What provision has the Minister made to ensure that this will be the case in view of the employment provided in this area?
I agree with what the Deputy said. We are doing this but there are limitations because of our EC membership. However, within those limitations everything is being done to ensure that Irish produced goods and products will be favoured, particularly in regard to clothing material, etc. The Deputy can be assured that this is being done. This is not something I want to talk about but it is being done.
Does the Minister have figures — if he does not have them with him today, perhaps he can make them available — indicating the percentage breakdown of the supplies sourced at home and abroad, indicating their country of origin?
I will see if that is feasible.
