Vol. 507 No. 3
25 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the situation regarding the order for new combat military uniforms; the tendering process in this regard; the outcome of this process; the situation regarding the contract; and when the uniforms will become available for the Defence Forces. [16604/99]
109 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the situation regarding the order for new combat military uniforms; the tendering process in this regard; the outcome of this process; the situation regarding the contract; and when the uniforms will become available for the Defence Forces. [16820/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 109 together.
A contract was placed by the Government Supplies Agency on behalf of my Department with Westport Clothing in October 1998 for the supply of combat suits in disruptive pattern material during the years 1999 and 2000. The requirement for 1999 was set at 13,000 smocks, 13,000 winter trousers and 33,000 summer trousers at a value of £979,000 approximately, exclusive of VAT.
However, Westport Clothing experienced ongoing difficulties in providing a sample of the specified fabric and consequently failed to meet the original delivery date of 1 February 1999. Because of the need to meet the extended delivery requirements of the Defence Forces to equip the UNIFIL battalion by September 1999, it was considered prudent by the Government Supplies Agency to place a supplementary contract with an alternative supplier. An order was, therefore, placed by the agency with Seyntex N.V., Belgium, in May 1999 for the supply of 4,000 smocks, 4,000 winter trousers and 20,000 summer trousers at a value of £476,000, exclusive of VAT.
The agency has indicated that at present both companies are on schedule to supply garments in July-August 1999 for the UNIFIL requirement arising in September 1999 and to deliver the balance of the contracts, as scheduled, to the Defence Forces. The combined supply by both companies will satisfy requirements for 1999 and 2000.
Both contracts were placed following a tender competition which included advertising in the Official Journal of the European Union. Westport Clothing submitted the lowest tender to meet the required specification and Seyntex N.V. submitted the second lowest tender.
How much did the extra order cost? Where is the second lot of clothing being made?
The clothing is being made in Belgium but I understand the cloth is being made in Romania. The cost is £476,000.
Will any effort be made by the Government to recoup some of the money it has paid out because of the extra order which was necessitated by the problems experienced by the first company?
The first company is back on schedule to fulfil its element of the contract. Any outstanding balance arising from what happened can be examined once that work has been completed. Currently, I have no information about further difficulties. I understand Westport Clothing has ironed out its difficulties.
Did many Irish companies submit tenders? Recently I attended the AGM of the Reserve Defence Forces where a group advertised military gear.
Tenders were received from five Irish companies, six English companies and one Belgian company. As the Deputy is aware, we are obliged to tender through open competition in the Official Journal of the European Union once the amount of money exceeds a certain figure.
What were the original difficulties in meeting the contract?
The clothing was required for September 1999 for the UNIFIL battalion and, therefore, there was a specific time when certain aspects of the contract would have to be met. There was a problem with the fabric and the company was unable to meet this timetable. We did not have time to wait.
