Seán Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Defence the policy of the Defence Forces to sourcing local food produce for use in each barracks; if certain supplies are purchased centrally; the Defence Forces food bill cost for 2005 and 2006 to date; if the Defence Forces use foodstuffs low in fat and salt; if specific provisions are made for vegetarians, vegans and personnel with religious dietary requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38053/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that all food supplies for the Defence Forces are procured centrally by the Food Procurement Section of the Defence Forces, who place contracts with suppliers in ten separate food categories e.g. Dairy Produce, Poultry Produce, Pack Rations. Tender competitions are run for all such contracts in accordance with National and EU regulations. Contractors submit tenders to supply food produce to barracks within their area of operations and contracts are awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender received.

The food bill for the Defence Forces in 2005 was €5.9 million and to date in 2006, €4.4 million has been expended on food. These amounts include food provisions for home and for non-UN overseas missions. A number of low fat and low salt food products are provided to members of the Defence Forces.

Every effort is made to accommodate Defence Forces personnel who have particular dietary requirements. The Defence Forces School of Catering trains its chefs to facilitate such requirements, whether for personal, health, religious or other reasons.