Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----has seen job numbers grow. In the last budget, and subsequently, we have seen numerous initiatives to help and support SMEs. I accept that in the procurement process, depending on how the contracting and procurement process is structured, it can be difficult in a competitive environment for SMEs. There are, however, examples of many State agencies and organisations looking to break up tenders to allow SMEs and smaller operators to compete and not exclude them in respect of the qualification criteria. I do not have the details on the qualification criteria for this tendering process but perhaps I can get the Minister to follow up with Deputy Lowry.

See this speech in context