Committee Reports > List of Committees > Dáil > 1979 > Committee of Public Accounts > Interim and Final Report - Appropriation Accounts 1977

APPENDIX 4

UNIFORMS FOR DEFENCE FORCES

Uniforms for Members of the Defence Forces

3rd July, 1979.

An Cléireach,

An Coiste um Chuntais Phoiblí.

Qn. 57

During my examination by the Committee on 10th May, I undertook to furnish a note explaining the difference in cost and quality of material of uniforms for Officers, N.C.O.’s and Men and also the method of supply and make-up of officers’ uniforms vis-à-vis other ranks. A note for the information of the Committee is attached accordingly.

M. P. HEALY,

Accounting Officer,

Department of Defence

Uniforms for Defence Forces

Particulars of the cost and quality of the material of the tunic and trousers of the uniforms for Army officers, non-commissioned officers and Privates are as follows:

Cost

Quality

Cloth No. 59—Green mixture whipcord 100% wool, weight 20 ozs. The whipcord weave of this material necessitates the use of yarns of very fine count and this has a considerable effect on the cost. This type of cloth has been traditionally used by Army officers.

Serge No. 63—Green mixture all worsted wool/polyester serge with a clear finish, 65% wool—35% polyester, weight 18/18½ ozs.

Serge No. 63 was introduced about 1972 for the tunics and trousers of non-commissioned officers and Privates. The change provided a lighter material of improved appearance having a clear finish and with improved crease-retention properties due to the wool-polyester blend. The uniform was made more comfortable to wear by the weight reduction to 18.50 ozs. The introduction of polyester fibre improved the durability of the cloth and also stabilised the cost. The Serge (No. 21A) previously used in these garments was an all wool serge composed of a worsted warp and woollen weft—weight 21.00 ozs. This produced a soft bulky cloth with a full cover which gave the serge a woolly finish and the all-wool composition did not lend itself to creaseretention properties.

Uniforms, to approved specification and pattern, for officers, senior non-commissioned officers and cadets are made up by approved military tailors from cloth issued on repayment by the Department of Defence but purchased by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. The tailoring cost is met by the individuals concerned from the uniform allowance issued to them. Uniforms, to approved specification and pattern, for non-commissioned officers (other than senior non-commissioned officers) and Privates are made up in bulk under contracts arranged by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and are delivered to the Department of Defence for distribution as required.