Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before we move on, about a month ago witnesses from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform met the Small Firms Association regarding school arts supplies. We heard many of its concerns at the time. I think it was agreed that a meeting would take place as soon as possible. I understand that meeting has not yet taken place. Since then, two companies have closed down, with the loss of 15 to 20 jobs. They were family businesses, one in Mayo and one in Dublin. I am not suggesting that they closed down because that meeting did not take place. However, members raised concerns on the day that without movement on Government procurement this would become a wide-scale problem. Would it be possible for us to get in touch with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Secretary General to see why that meeting never took place?