Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 429: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made within his Department in relation to reviewing existing contract specifications awarded by all Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6363/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Social and Family Affairs has a dedicated procurement section that advises on all aspects of procurement practice within the Department. The section maintains close contact with the Government contracts committee and the Department of Finance's national public procurement policy unit to ensure that the procurement advice that is provided is of the highest standard. It also maintains a database of pro forma tender specifications which are tailored to reflect the unique and specific needs of particular contracts. This database is regularly reviewed and updated where necessary. The Department is aware that the Department of Finance is developing standardised contracts for use in construction projects but it does not have direct involvement in such contracts which are managed by the OPW.