Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

On the previous occasion that these questions were addressed I asked the Taoiseach whether a policy was in place or would be put in place that would favour the allocation of contracts for the provision of goods or services from Irish manufacturers where possible. In his reply, the Taoiseach indicated, as he repeated today, that for goods and services over a particular value we are obliged to put the contract out to tender to notify all competitors throughout the European Union. However, on that occasion the Taoiseach stated, "I am always of the view that if there is very little in the difference, one should give it to an Irish firm, although that must be legal and appropriate." Is there a policy in place or will one be put in place to ensure where possible that an Irish source is given the opportunity to provide goods or services in line with the Taoiseach's stated reply? Has he built on the view he expressed on the previous occasion over the interim period? Can it be the practice where the value of the goods required is under whatever value is the current guideline for wider EU notification that Irish-made products and Irish-provided services, on the basis of their being of high standard and good value, will be preferred in all such situations in a serious effort to help retain existing jobs and create new jobs throughout all of those service providers and manufacturers?

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