Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Is he or his Department concerned at what appears to be the concentration of contracts in the hands of certain providers? He is correct that it is not the fault of the Department and that people are free to tender for the contracts. Is there a concern that some providers are seeking the contracts for three, four or five centres? I welcome that the Minister of State clarified that the centres must be compliant with planning law and fire certification. If there is a concentration of supply, does the Department check what legal stipulations apply to those tendering for multiple contracts? I presume the contracts would not be signed before that is carried out.

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