Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The national public procurement operations unit was established in the Office of Public Works in April of last year on foot of a Government decision. It is taking a lead role in modernising procurement practices across the public sector. The report of the task force on the public service recommended greater use of shared services in the area of procurement. The Government recognises the scope for improved value for money through increased professionalisation and co-ordination of public sector procurement. To this end, a new national operations unit has been established within the Office of Public Works. This unit is working to leverage the public service's buying power by organising procurement of common goods and services - such as office equipment, furniture, vehicles, electricity and fuel - across the public service. Where better value for money can be obtained, the unit will further develop the e-tender system, including in the context of using e-options to allow for real-time, on-line billing.

The unit will also support a more professional approach towards public sector procurement through the provision of advice and the organisation of networks of procurement professionals. The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Mansergh, has policy responsibility for procurement and will drive the implementation of this new unit. I understand that to date the unit has overseen savings of the order of €27 million among various Departments.

There are rules that apply in respect of procurement. People are entitled to tender for contracts. We are trying to ensure that everyone, including small businesses, will be in a position to tender and that tenders will be structured in such a way as to allow people to apply. Ultimately, the procurement rules determine the outcome of the bids. As already stated, we are trying to increase leverage across Departments and in the context of obtaining the best possible value for money, we must ensure that everyone, including Irish companies, is aware of this fact. People must be also aware that a value-for-money drive is taking place.

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