Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I hear what the Deputy is saying. The Minister of State, Deputy Harris, has taken a direct interest in all of these matters. He chairs the procurement function and has had a particular focus on ensuring that, in so far as it can happen in compliance with European law, contracts are awarded to Irish entities and, by and large, are given to small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs. This is all in the context of getting the best deal for the taxpayer and complying fully with the law. This is an evolving process. As we bed down the Office of Government Procurement, if there are any particular issues, the Minister of State and I would be happy to have discussions with any individual or potential tenderer to see how their hand can be strengthened or the processes can be modified.

See this speech in context