Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed that the Office of Public Works did not comply with all EU rules in regard to the awarding of contracts in connection with the Irish Presidency of the EU; the number of contracts awarded worth more than €162,000; if all of these were advertised in the Official Journal of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4765/04]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware that concerns have been expressed in relation to the procurement of certain goods and services by the Office of Public Works in connection with the EU Presidency. Arising out of these concerns, I have initiated an independent examination of the matter. The purpose of the examination is to establish, in so far as possible, the facts in relation to this matter. I expect the results of the examination to be available shortly. It is not possible at this stage nor would it be correct for me to make any comment on the specifics of the situation pending the completion of the examination. However, steps are being taken to ensure that goods and services are supplied on the basis of competitive tendering that is transparent and fair.

By way of general comment, it is obviously a matter of concern that any suggestion of impropriety should attach to the award of public contracts by the OPW or by any Government Department or agency. The OPW, through the activities of its various business units, including the Government Supplies Agency, plays a significant role in the procurement of property, construction and other goods and services on behalf of Departments and agencies. Because of the central role it plays in the procurement area, the OPW has consistently striven to ensure that it conforms to the highest possible standards of fairness, transparency, integrity and value in the awarding of public contracts. I believe that it achieves this objective across the broad range of its services.

It is the general policy of the OPW that all procurement activity in the organisation abides by the principles and rules set out in the national public procurement guidelines issued by the Department of Finance and in the EU public procurement directives. In essence, this means that contracts for the supply of goods and services should be awarded by way of competitive tender where practicable.

When the results of the independent examination become available, I will consider these carefully and take whatever steps I consider appropriate in the circumstances. My sole objective will be to ensure that the integrity of the procurement process in the OPW is maintained to its current high standards and strengthened where necessary.