Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I mentioned a particular company. As Ireland is a small country there are not many companies of this type engaged here in these particular services. Mr. Quinn referenced the White Paper on Defence. Deputy Coveney, when Minister for Defence, visited the company I mentioned, as did Deputy Bruton in his then capacity as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. It is recognised as a world leader in the supply of the suspension systems for armoured vehicles. What I am asking Mr. Quinn is how a company can illustrate and demonstrate to the Department of Defence that it is capable of meeting the criteria set out. In a previous response to me on this issue the Taoiseach said that there is constant monitoring to ensure the availability of proper equipment for the Defence Forces, that he had discussed the issue of resources with the Department of Defence and that it had been agreed with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that the matter would be carefully examined. He also said that he hoped the Defence Forces would never be sent out with inadequate or inferior equipment. That was a hell of a statement by the Taoiseach. As I said, the company based in Navan in County Meath is supplying hundreds of vehicles to the Australian Army, the US Army and to other armies across the Continent. I should point out that the Taoiseach later clarified his statement. Perhaps Mr. Quinn would comment on the willingness of the Department to engage with Irish companies on the process surrounding the purchase of equipment.