Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister agrees when I say it is of the utmost importance that the public has full confidence in the public procurement process. People must know that contracts are awarded on the basis of merit, efficiency, cost and other social considerations, but this is not the case at the moment.

Transparency International is a very credible organisation that has raised real concerns on public procurement. Notwithstanding issues on data collection, the Minister will be aware that, to use a contemporary example, there has been considerable public disquiet about the awarding of the contract to install water meters throughout the State. The perception is that there was a conflict of interest around this this issue relating to the big beasts of the Irish commercial field but seeping into politics. It is important that we get this right. I know that consultations have now finished but I want to know that the Minister is minded to include the most robust measures possible to give effect to the directive.

See this speech in context