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

I am well aware the Minister is encouraging that kind of consortium bidding but I am sure he is aware, through his discussions with ISME, the Small Firms Association and further afield, that this is very problematic for small businesses and nearly impossible for micro businesses. When the review happens in 12 months, I believe it is very important there is a listening ear to the reality of how business operates in real time. Whoever is in office, the Government might have a notion of what is best or what is best practice, and it is fully entitled to promote that, which goes without saying. However, if that is something that cannot be complied with or that runs against the grain of how these businesses operate, it needs to be looked at. In truth, many SMEs and micro businesses believe they are effectively locked out of the tendering processes.

I mentioned a number of the issues that arise. I should also mention timeframes, which many small businesses regard as far too tight, and the cost of entering the tendering process, which is way too high. In addition, the issue of transparency across public procurement is raised time and again. The OGP is a good innovation and I have supported it from the beginning, but these issues need to be sorted out.

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