Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Taoiseach for that reply. I know from his previous experience that he sees the proposal has merit. It can be complex enough to put it into operation. Collaborative purchase agreements, known as electronic reverse auctions, are available through a central database and a network of procurement officers having specialist training for procurement officers. For example, many Departments buy in legal services and tender for these. A network of panels of legal firms which have an expertise in particular areas of legal requirements would be helpful. I thank the Taoiseach for his reply in that regard. I hope he will follow it through and push this to become a reality. Hundreds of millions of euro could be saved over a period by a single public purchasing office, operated through the Department of Finance, and answerable to the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach. It would streamline the process, provide greater efficiency, cost effectiveness, transparency and accountability and, as a result, would be in the public interest.

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