Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm the percentage of poultry produce used in meals for prisons that is of Irish origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53644/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the current contract for the provision of fresh poultry products for the Irish Prison Service was placed with Crossgar Foodservices, an Northern Ireland company, following an open tender competition in accordance with EU Procurement Directives.

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that poultry being currently supplied under this contract is not of Republic of Ireland origin.

The Irish Prison Service are obliged to carry out the procurement of food products in an open and transparent manner and in line with National and EU Public Procurement Guidelines. The Irish Prison Service have absolutely no discretion in this regard.