Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

The Government is working to ensure that SMEs can access public sector contracts in Ireland and abroad. As well as being an important source of income, winning public sector contracts here can have a very positive impact when companies are looking to win contracts abroad. We are continuing to drive the development of innovative public procurement processes across the public sector that improve access for SMEs.

The 10-Step Guide to Smart Procurement and SME Access to Public Contracts was published in July 2009 and provides practical guidance to public bodies on measures which could boost the involvement of SMEs in public procurement. In 2009, Enterprise Ireland established a public procurement team to focus on procurement opportunities in Ireland and abroad for indigenous companies and to accelerate knowledge within contracting authorities in the public service of the potential of these Irish companies. Some 660 Irish companies took part in Enterprise Ireland's International Markets week recently where EI's public procurement specialists were present to discuss public sector procurement opportunities.

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