Ms Caron McCaffrey:

The Office of Government Procurement, OGP, undertakes a great deal of tendering on behalf of the Irish Prison Service, and any delay in the OGP's tendering process gives rise to a roll-over of contracts. In 2018, that equated to €5.2 million, which included contracts for the provision of ICT, plumbing and heating supplies, bedding, dental supplies, and GP and pharmacy services. Of the 18 cases, the OGP now has contracts in place for eight. A further two have been advertised, two are under evaluation and the requirements have been specified for the outstanding six.