Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy should direct his detailed questions on public procurement to the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works. I do not deal with that area. I just sought to be helpful in terms of broadening out the question beyond my Department's procurement plan, which was the question asked. I am sure we can get the details and forward them to the Deputy. A question to the Office of Public Works would give the details sought by Deputy Gilmore. Reforms and improvements to internal procurement systems and processes are taking place. We are working on a range of areas to improve procurement. That is why we set up the office in the first place. A question addressed to the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, will help to bring the Deputy up to date on all those issues.

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