asked the Minister for Defence the procedures for the purchase of weapons and equipment for the Army; when the last such contracts have been placed; the assessments which are used in making choices in this area; the criteria involved; the names of the suppliers, along with the total cost of such contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Limerick West): Contracts for the supply of weapons and other equipment are awarded by my Department in accordance with procedures laid down by the Minister for Finance and within the resources provided in the Vote. These procedures are based on competitive tendering and set out the criteria by which tenders should be assessed. A copy of the publication entitled An Outline of Government Contracts Procedures was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 28 August 1986. In the interests of security, it is not the practice to furnish any detailed information regarding items of defensive equipment.