asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that boots worn by the Defence Forces are coming from Third World countries.

(Dublin South-Central): About 98 per cent of boots purchased for the Defence Forces are manufactured in this country. The only boots of Third World origin purchased in recent years were special types supplied by Irish stockists which are not made by Irish manufacturers.

Why is that question answered by the Minister?

(Dublin South-Central): Because we purchase for the Department.

The Minister's Department are responsible for contracts.

What is the specific purpose for which those Third World boots were purchased? Was it for a different type of walking?

(Dublin South-Central): They were specifically purchased for troops in the Lebanon.