Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Sheahan's call for an urgent debate on procurement procedures by all Departments, as well as the Office of Public Works and the HSE. I know of small companies that cannot get on the procurement lists for whatever reason.

I do not know who is responsible for grass cutting and other garden maintenance in the grounds of Leinster House. Although we do not have that much greenery, the standard is absolutely appalling for our Parliament. Unless the grass can be cut and the flower beds maintained from a sit-on lawnmower, it does not happen.

This is simply not done and there is no edging of grassed areas. This issue must be addressed as this is the national Parliament. The Prime Minister of Mozambique entered the building by the same entrance as me this morning. This is absolutely appalling and should be addressed, whether in-house or through a procurement process to award the contract to an outside entity.