John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

In 2008 a total of 70% of Irish public procurement contracts were awarded to foreign companies. A significant number of contracts which are below the EU threshold are advertised at national level and notice of contracts worth €25,000 or more are placed on the Government's e-tender website. A multiple of further contracts worth less than €25,000 are advertised more locally and this provides opportunities for small and medium enterprises. I acknowledge the significant difficulties. A majority of contracts are in the health sector.

I refer to the issue of opening up access to contracts to small companies. Of the total of 65,000 companies registered on the e-tender portal, 75% are Irish small and medium enterprises. The perception is that they are not winning contracts and much needs to be done to open up access to the contracts worth €15 billion and to allow sub-contractors to qualify. It is to be hoped that the criteria which includes a pre-qualification of having done work with the main supplier can be removed. There are significant opportunities for small and medium business. The Minister, Deputy Bruton, is working closely on this issue of opening up opportunities to enable the participation of small companies.

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