Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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This is an issue the Deputy has been addressing in the Dáil. I am aware of an internal audit report last August which raised some concerns and made a number of recommendations regarding the procurement by An Garda Síochána of certain ICT services. I understand from Garda authorities that the contract in question commenced in 2009. It ran for an initial two-year period with a further two-year extension until the end of 2013. It was extended after this time without recourse to tendering. I understand that there was a delay in the tendering for the contract due to a combination of factors, including the complex nature of the process but also a lack of resource in An Garda Síochána to prepare a new tender and run an appropriate procurement competition. It can be recalled that the Garda ICT area suffered from the general reduction in the ICT cohort throughout the public sector. However, another factor was that ICT management was awaiting the development of the national procurement framework. I am concerned by this issue and any breach. No breach in what is a specifically designed arrangement would in the circumstances be accommodated or accepted. Steps are now being taken to ensure all the recommendations in the internal audit report are implemented. Progress in this regard is being monitored internally by An Garda Síochána and by my Department. I understand the position regarding the main contract will be addressed. The Office of Government Procurement, OGP, framework has been in place since last August. It is currently being utilised by An Garda Síochána to tender for its skills requirements. I am keen that the issue be addressed and that any criticisms or shortcomings identified in the internal audit report be dealt with in a way that ensures full alignment with the regulatory regime.