Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number and identity of contracts or procurements approved, signed, entered into or otherwise committed to in the past 12 months; if normal procedures and requirements were followed in each case; the exceptions that were recommended and by whom; if recommendations were made by groups, bodies, agencies or individuals with whom Government Departments, State or semi-State agencies have current or previous associations; if all such projects or procurements were fully advertised and assessed and by whom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10853/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The detailed information on the number and identity of contracts and procurements in the past 12 months is currently being drafted and will issue to the Deputy as soon as possible. My Department follows procurement procedures as required under EU Legislation and National Guidelines. Procurements are advertised on www.etenders.gov.ie in line with these guidelines.

Tenders are considered by an Evaluation Group in accordance with the Qualification and Selection Criteria set out in the Request for Tender. The composition of Evaluation Groups reflects the areas of the Department likely to be impacted by the proposed procurement, including one representative from outside the immediate tendering area to ensure independence.

The level of representation will reflect the likely value and complexity of individual procurements. Recommendations on the award of contracts are made by such Evaluation Groups. Where exceptions are necessary, for example, where there is only one suitably qualified specialist in the relevant field and there is difficulty in securing the required services or supplies from alternative companies, these are processed with in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines relating to non-competitive tendering.