Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 9, inclusive, together.

Following a detailed analysis of our current arrangements in the procurement of goods and services, a corporate procurement plan has been prepared with a view to improving the procurement function within my Department. The plan sets objectives to improve the way the Department acquires and pays for goods and services. The plan will be kept under review, especially in respect of amendments which may be necessary arising from a possible move to a shared financial services platform.

My Department complies with guidance on the procurement of supplies and services as set out in the public procurement guidelines, as well as implementing as appropriate all additional procurement guidelines published by the Department of Finance. These guidelines set out the steps to be followed in conducting an appropriate competitive process under EU and national rules.

The EU procurement directives allow for certain environmental criteria to be considered in the procurement process and the Government is preparing an action plan for green public procurement, with the aim of achieving by 2010 a level of green procurement equal on average to that achieved by best performing EU member states. The plan will focus on issues such as targets to be achieved, how to drive the adoption of green procurement by public and semi-public authorities, indicators for measuring progress and the legal and administrative framework for public procurement.

Reflecting the Department's broader policy remit, we have included in our corporate procurement plan a commitment to support waste recycling and energy saving, as well as the use of recycled paper, wherever possible.

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