Ms Margaret Gorman:

An issue arises in the context of bulk buying. If a number of schools come together and decide to purchase their oil and insurance from certain suppliers, they run the risk of breaching EU law. I accept that this seems extraordinary but we are continually faced with the problem of ensuring that we comply with health and safety regulations, EU law, etc. Schools are obviously concerned about matters of this nature. We work very closely with the National Procurement Service, NPS, because it offers schools a way in which to bulk buy without being in breach of competition law. The CPSMA has been pushing the concept of working with the NPS in order that schools will not fall foul of the rules and regulations. Unfortunately, it is sometimes the case that difficulties can arise in respect of what might seem to be an obvious solution.

Schools are becoming VAT collectors. The CPSMA, in conjunction with the JMB, is currently running seminars throughout the country because schools are now returning VAT to the Revenue Commissioners. Perhaps an arrangement could be arrived at in this regard, particularly in the context of schools that are involved in any sort of building or alteration works.

Another issue that arises is ICT. Of course, e-books and e-learning are fantastic. However, school authorities continually point out that we should not forget about the ongoing costs involved in respect of ICT. For example, it costs several thousand euro to purchase an interactive whiteboard and if one is obliged to change the bulb on it, the cost of doing so is a further €300.

These are some of the issues which arise. I am of the view that it would certainly be worthwhile to examine the option of using the National Procurement Service when it comes to purchasing books from publishers.