Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
101. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 15 October 2019, the number of uniforms collected; the cost per uniform; the process for selecting the registered charity to receive the uniforms; when the investigation commenced; when it is due to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43244/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of discontinued workwear uniforms delivered by local authorities to my Department's Civil Defence Branch in Roscrea was as follows; 525 rainproof yellow suits, 800 yellow overalls, 168 navy jackets, 157 navy jumpers and 548 pairs of boots. All of these items of uniform were discontinued in 2006 when the uniform was changed and upgraded to the now familiar orange and navy uniform. The discontinued boots were replaced by new steel toe capped boots. All items were donated by my Department in 2017 to a charity registered with the charity regulator.
When the workwear uniforms were donated to the registered charity, they had zero monetary value within Civil Defence as they were discontinued as the official workwear uniform in 2006.
The charity was selected based on their previous engagement with the National Ambulance Service.
My Department has been examining the matter since mid September 2019 when my officials were first informed that the donation had not been managed by the charity as intended. As part of that examination my officials have been in contact with members of An Garda Síochána and with the Charity Regulator. The examination is ongoing.
