Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I understand that the Minister is saying that it is already implied. Nonetheless, I will reserve the right to bring back an amendment on Report Stage. It is not just about the obligation being there but also the weighting. It is one thing to have the obligation there and it is another to have the mechanisms to ensure that it is given proper consideration, that it does not just pass on an assumed obligation within a contract but that proper weighting and consideration is given to the capacity of different contracting parties to deliver, and that it is thought through in terms of the quality of a service. The Minister of State will be aware that this is consistent with my engagement with other Departments in respect of quality procurement. One of the measures I have been pushing for in general in public procurement is that we give proper weighting to certain factors. We may have them in the technical qualifications for something but we need to actually give a weighting to quality of service. A quality of capacity to deliver as regards the Irish language is important.

I will withdraw the amendment at this point. It looks like the Minister of State may address the principle but the mechanism for the delivery of the principle may still merit refinement and I might bring something forward on Report Stage in respect of that.