Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this question. I can give him a more comprehensive answer shortly.

In the weeks since being appointed to my role with responsibility for procurement, it has been my concern and that of the Government that we be cognisant of the impact that any procurement guideline, regulation or rule has on the SME sector. On this basis, the Department's SME leadership group, which is chaired by me and includes representatives of the SME sector, will be convened within the coming weeks.

I have met the Office of Government Procurement, OGP, a number of times and am due to do so again shortly. I am interested in hearing directly from SMEs, which is why I attended - I am sure that the Deputy has as well - the roadshows held by the OGP across the country. More are planned where there is an opportunity for the OGP to engage directly with the SME and other sectors. I am anxious to hear from people like the Deputy about where they believe improvements can be made without impacting on the thrust behind the concept of procurement.

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