Results 42,281-42,300 of 46,260 for speaker:Simon Harris

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Procurement Regulations (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I have outlined that where they are not in a position to do so, they must produce a value-for-money justification.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Procurement Regulations (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: In regard to that, I have outlined that the value-for-money justification must include the full cost of running a public procurement competition. I hope we have an opportunity to engage in a sustained, lengthy and necessary debate on the purpose of public procurement because it is not a subsidy. Deputy McDonald and I had the pleasure of serving on the Committee of Public Accounts together...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Procurement Regulations (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: We have a duty-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Procurement Regulations (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I am not talking down the clock, the Deputy is interrupting me. We have a duty also to get value for money for taxpayers. We need to encourage our SMEs to get involved in the reform programme and I remain absolutely committed to that. However, we have a duty on value for money. We cannot be hypocritical and criticise public servants for not getting value for money for taxpayers and then...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Procurement Regulations (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for her question. The reform of the public procurement system across the public service is a key element of the public sector reform programme.  Fragmented procurement arrangements have facilitated, among other things, suppliers charging different public service bodies different prices for the same goods and services. Public procurement savings are...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Procurement Regulations (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I acknowledge the Deputy's support for the OGP. We have had some useful discussions in the House on these issues, including on the legislation introduced by the Deputy which dealt with the social clauses aspect. That is an issue the working group continues to consider and I hope to be able to report progress shortly in that regard. Circular 16/13, issued by the OGP and the Department of...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Office of Public Works Projects (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: As per Deputy Fleming's request, I have provided him with a list of works under the aegis of the Office of Public Works that satisfy the criteria outlined by him. Following clarification, this list comprises: - Capital Works with an associated cost greater than €100,000; - Commenced or expected to Commence in 2015; - OPW funded or Client-funded Works carried out by OPW. Where contracts...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: As I advised in responses to previous Questions on this matter, responsibility for maintenance of the River Suck, which is the main tributary of the River Shannon, rests jointly with Galway County Council and Roscommon County Council. The Councils have heretofore discharged their responsibility through the River Suck Joint Drainage District Committee. The most recent formal report...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: State Properties (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: Agriculture House is a State Owned office building vested in the Commissioners of Public Works.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Staff Redeployment (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I assume that the Question refers to the relocation of OPW building maintenance staff from the Botanic Gardens, Four Courts and the Custom House to Collins Barracks, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Leinster House and Government Buildings. It is necessary for operational purposes for the Commissioners of Public Works to align and relocate their building maintenance staff to locations from...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (2 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: As indicated in my replies to previous questions on this subject, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has submitted the proposals for the Clare River (Claregalway) flood relief scheme for statutory approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, as required by the Arterial Drainage Acts. The scheme includes flood alleviation measures in the areas referred to by the Deputy. A report...

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: The alternative.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: It is movie night.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: That is not what happened.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: Hear, hear.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: He has no respect.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: It is going well, is it not?

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Public Health Policy (1 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank Senator Burke for raising this issue for discussion today. I am taking this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Leo Varadkar, who is unable to be here due to Government business. Neural tube defects, NTDs, include a range of serious congenital malformations as a result of incomplete closure of the neural tube within a month of conception. They include...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Public Health Policy (1 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank the Senator for his comments. I am pleased to note that the HSE and the Department of Health have informed me that GPs are key partners in this campaign which is due to be rolled out this month. I shall pass his comments on to the Minister for Health. I also thank him for the timely opportunity to remind people of the importance of this issue in advance of the new advertising campaign.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Eurozone Crisis (1 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I am pleased to have an opportunity to outline to the House the efforts that are being undertaken by the Irish Government, and our euro area colleagues, during Greece’s current difficult economic times.I thank Senator Bradford for providing me with the opportunity to do so. I agree with much of what the Senator said. It is important that solidarity is shown in Europe and people walk...