Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that there is no privatisation happening and it is wrong to say there is. The vast majority of marks in the request for tender, that is, more than 75% of them, are based on the quality of the service and the experience and track record of the tenderers in providing supports to those furthest from the labour market. I have spoken to several local providers that have seen the request for tender and think it is fair. What is more, they are confident in their ability to put together good bids for these contracts. Those providing a good service should be confident.

As regards consultation, my Department has engaged with all the relevant stakeholders, including the Irish Local Development Network, ILDN, and has briefed them on our procurement plans. All concerned have known for some time that this was coming. My predecessor as Minister, Senator Regina Doherty, met the ILDN at its annual meeting in 2018 and told it the contracts were in breach of procurement rules and would have to go to tender. I have no choice but to put this out to tender.

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