Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Deputy's support for the OGP. We have had some useful discussions in the House on these issues, including on the legislation introduced by the Deputy which dealt with the social clauses aspect. That is an issue the working group continues to consider and I hope to be able to report progress shortly in that regard.

Circular 16/13, issued by the OGP and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, reminded public bodies that central procurement frameworks were targeted at securing best value for money and facilitating contracting authorities to deliver services within their budgetary constraints. It went on to state that where a body was not in a position to utilise a central procurement framework, it should be in a position to provide a value for money justification. That justification should take into account the full costs of running a public procurement competition. Public bodies must comply with their obligations under national law and guidelines.

In regard to SMEs, there is room for discussion on what we can do to encourage them to become more involved in procurement. Reform does offer opportunities in this regard, both domestically and at European and international levels. Circular 10/14 put in place a number of measures to encourage SMEs to become involved, which is something we intend to drive throughout the public service.

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