John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The second item with regard to procurement raised by Deputy Mary Lou McDonald is a big issue, one I had hoped we would discuss with the representatives of the Department when they last came before the committee. I requested the newly appointed person responsible for procurement to come before the committee on that day, but we did not discuss the procurement issue. What the Deputy has stated is quite true; there is much concern in the small and medium enterprise sector about procurement policy. We are running out of days as we fill our work programme, but it is a big issue and I will ask the clerk, with the agreement of members, to schedule an early meeting in order that we can deal with procurement issues, as outlined by the Deputy. If she wishes, we can write informally and this can be part of the request.

The meeting requested by Deputy Shane Ross will be held as soon as possible, while the meeting requested by Deputy Mary Lou McDonald will be held if we can schedule it. As agreed last week, even if it is not held on a Thursday, we will have a meeting to facilitate the people concerned.