Denis Landy (Labour)

Several months ago my group in the Seanad raised the issue of assistance for small businesses. One of the matters discussed was procurement and public tendering. The Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Perry, was forthcoming in regard to the need to assist small businesses by keeping public tenders in this country to the greatest extent possible. My colleague, Senator Kelly, pointed out that tenders for major roadwork projects were being awarded to companies from Spain, Greece, Turkey and other places. The Minister of State advised us that public procurement meetings were being held across the country. I ask that he intercede with the management of the national procurement service to arrange an information session for Deputies and Senators in the AV room so that we can advise the people from small businesses -----