Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Of course there is individual discretion and, even in my legislation, the individual discretion of the procurement officers is there. What would indicate a change? What would give us the shift we need? Ms Stewart might also address the question of the technical specifications. There are two pieces: the technical specification, which is included within the details, and there is the question of, within the criteria, if there are quality criteria, what kind of weighting is given to these environmental factors and what kind of weighting does Ms Stewart believe will lead to the substantive shift we need.

The witnesses might not have the figures with them but it would be great to get them. Quality criteria was mentioned. What kinds of weighting are being given? It was mentioned that there are multiple examples. A few examples would be really good to give us a sense of whether this is really taking root. Is it being added in at the end? Is it one word or is there really a deep application?

The witnesses may not have the figures with them, and maybe we could get them in writing, but it was mentioned that quality is considered often. How much use is there of the lifecycle, which is the third option under EU law? Is lifecycle costing in much use in respect of public procurement?

I have asked a question the technical specifications. I would like a little bit more unpacking of what are the trends on environmental criteria. I asked another question on lifecycle costing and whether it is being taken up.