Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his remarks. We will continue to purchase beef and other foodstuffs for the Defence Forces in line with national and EU procurement legislation. The military authorities assured me that fresh beef consumed by the Defence Forces daily is sourced from local Irish producers.

The issue in question concerns the supply of ration packs to the Defence Forces. The contract was awarded to Far Side Marketing. It is worth noting that no Irish company entered the competition but we would be glad to see them coming forward. We should encourage our producers to become involved in the production of ration packs.

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