Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Traveller community programmes are important because they have always been tailored to the particular needs and circumstances of the Traveller groups with which they deal. I have seen a number of them working. I am sure the Minister can take into account the five points raised by the Deputy. This is not the privatisation of such work but the opportunity for existing and other companies to tender for the programmes and work involved. The tender process is to conclude on 11 July. The reason for inviting companies to submit tenders for the work is to ensure there will be an effective output and that public money is spent most effectively. Companies will tender for the work programmes in the different localities around the country; the tenders will be examined and the programmes of work will be awarded to the relevant companies. The process will be published, ensuring accountability and transparency. There was a process of consultation; there is now a process of seeking tenders which must be examined and used as the basis for decisions. It is not privatisation.

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