Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Government awarded contracts from 1995 until 2004 inclusive that overran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified; if the people responsible for the incorrect specifications were held to account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33747/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Prior to the engagement of consultants, a rigid procurement process is undertaken in my Department in accordance with public sector procurement guidelines and best practice. The achievement of value for money is the central criterion throughout the process. Once a preferred bidder has been identified, my Department agrees a contract, which details the scope of the services to be provided by the consultants and the deliverables to be achieved, to reflect value for money. In line with such contracts, payments are made in respect of the services delivered and deliverables to be achieved, provided the deliverables meet the expectations in all respects.

During the period in question, my Department is not aware of any contracts that overran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified.