Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the reported possible conflict of interest in awarding contracts for the introduction of smart cards on Luas, as highlighted recently in the media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4743/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the procurement process for the substantive contract for integrated ticketing. A 2002 ministerial order gave the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, statutory responsibility for the delivery of integrated ticketing. Procurement procedures and processes used in the delivery of integrated ticketing are matters for the RPA. The RPA has advised my Department that its procurement process is fully compliant with EU procurement directives.

In accordance with best practice, the RPA has appointed an external and independent procurement process auditor who reviews all aspects of this procurement. My Department has been informed that the independent process auditor, appointed by the RPA chief executive, has expressed the view that appropriate procedures are in place to deal with matters, such as the reported possible conflict of interest. The RPA has informed my Department that such procedures are being followed.