Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Are there guidelines within the Taoiseach's Department or any other Department that encourage the acquisition of goods or services from Irish sources, which would have a beneficial effect on employment in Ireland? Are there major restrictions on what Departments can do in giving such guidance as a result of EU competition law? Is there within the Union any re-evaluation, reconsideration or relaxation proposed of the restrictions that may apply to governments and local authorities that wish to see public moneys expended locally and nationally first? Given the ever straitening economic circumstances, is there a potential benefit to those in employment in terms of corporate procurement from their sectors? What can the Taoiseach tell us regarding same?

See this speech in context