asked the Minister for Defence the amount and cost of ammunition in stock; where the ammunition for the new Army rifles will be purchased; and if tenders were invited for the ammunition in question.

(Limerick West): The bulk of ammunition in stock was purchased by my Department through competitive tendering. The balance was available only from sole suppliers. Ammunition suitable for the new Steyr rifle is made in a number of countries and invitations to tender will be issued for any supplies which may be required. Details regarding the amount and cost of ammunition are confidential.

I tabled a question to the Minister about tendering for the rifles two months ago. I want to put on the record of the House that I believe I was misled by the answer, and it is the same in regard to the ammunition. I have in my possession a file——

Deputy, proceed by way of questions, please.

Were the American company Colt Corporation of American asked to tender both for the ammunition and the rifles and was there a most favourable response from that company which obviously was turned down by the Minister's Department for one reason or another that the Minister did not mention on the floor of the House two months ago?

(Limerick West): No, there was no such intention; nor was the Deputy misled by my previous reply. Secondly, I am not in a position to give information with regard to tenders received from any firm. It has been the practice over the years that this information is confidential because one is in a tendering situation. That applies to any tender, as the Deputy knows.

I would assume that, in these difficult financial times, the onus of responsibility is on all Ministers and all of us in this House to ensure that we get value for taxpayers' money. I am in possession of a document which proves that the most favourable deal could be got from the Colt Corporation——

Deputy, questions please.

——and the Minister botched the whole thing up. We paid more for rifles than we needed to pay and the same is going to happen——

Deputy Connaughton is making a speech which is not in order.

(Limerick West): Is the Deputy talking about ammunition or rifles?

Rifles and ammunition.

(Limerick West): The answer to both his questions is “no”. There was no botch up. The cheapest tender was accepted, keeping in mind the requirements of the Defence Forces.

Question No. 8.

I have to say that the Minister is not correct——

I want to help Deputy Connaughton and all Deputies to elicit information but we must proceed by way of questions.

I have the information here and it is at variance with what the Minister said in the House.

The Deputy will have to find another way of putting that on record.

May I raise this matter on the Adjournment?

I will communicate with the Deputy.