Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I support Deputies Shane Ross and Kieran O'Donnell. It would be appropriate to call in the Governor of the Central Bank at this time.

I wish to raise another issue on the State's procurement practices. As members will know, there is a new office for centralised procurement and a move under way to save substantial moneys for the public purse, which is welcome. However, there are some issues of concern about certain sectoral competitions. I am thinking specifically about the stationery contract for schools and academic institutions. I have acquainted myself with some of the issues involved, which are quite serious. I would go so far as to say there is a real possibility that far from saving money in some instances, this centralised procurement arrangement might prove costly. There are concerns about quality, proper invoicing and predatory pricing. I intend to write to the Cathaoirleach officially on the matter, but I am taking the opportunity to flag the matter as an issue of concern that would most appropriately be examined by the committee.