Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 to 12, inclusive, together.

Existing procurement policies provide for procurement of the goods and services required by the Department in a manner which seeks to optimise the value for money of the purchases concerned. It is in accordance with public procurement guidelines as set out by the Department of Finance.

There is a requirement to produce an annual corporate procurement plan as part of the national public procurement policy framework, issued by the Department of Finance in May 2005. In response to that requirement, my Department has commenced the process of developing a corporate procurement plan which will be completed this year. It is expected that the analysis and evaluation of current processes will provide an opportunity to identify and, subsequently, introduce any improved procurement practices which would assist the Department in maximising value for money in its procurement of goods and services.

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