Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Senator Moloney for raising this important matter. When discussing the issue with local suppliers, she and other public representatives should bring to their attention a number of new measures we have put in place to try to help SMEs. For example, we are currently considering social clauses whereby unemployment and disadvantaged areas can be factored into decisions. We will shortly have progress in that regard, as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, established a working group on that last year.

In addition, we have put in place "meet the buyer" events providing opportunities for SMEs to meet the big public sector buyers face to face. They can thereby have human conversations, rather than just talking to a machine.

InterTradeIreland is working on a cross-Border basis to provide supports and even grants for upskilling SMEs. I recently launched a new tender advisory service, which guarantees SMEs a quick turnaround answer to a query within a certain number of working days. Crucially, local enterprise offices have all been given training on procurements. The LEOs are the interface for all our businesses with the State and I want to see them playing a greater role. I look forward to LEOs holding many training and information days for SMEs in various communities. I would be interested in trying to bring one to the Senator's county in due course.