Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2023
191. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 556 of 25 October 2022, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4989/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraParliamentary Questions No. 556 of 25 October 2022 and No. 507 of 13 December 2022 asks when the contract for the provision of stab vests that are issued to frontline Gardaí was last put out to tender; and when this current contract is due to expire.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the contract for the provision of stab vests that are issued to frontline Garda members was last put out to tender in September 2020. This tender process was not completed, in the main as a result of legal challenges, which could not be addressed as the expert knowledge required, was no longer available.
I am advised that the current contract has expired and that An Garda Síochána are currently reviewing overall operational requirements and it is envisaged that the new tender process will be initiated in early 2023.
