Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the way he will ensure better exploitation of domestic opportunities to facilitate companies in applying for public sector contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18993/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Government recognises the important business opportunities that public service contracts represent for business enterprises in the local and national economy and encourages participation to the greatest extent possible. My Department is currently involved in an initiative to improve access to public procurement for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The National Public Procurement Policy Unit is consulting with stakeholders to identify possible obstacles and to consider ways of appropriately encouraging and facilitating that sector's participation. Responses have been received from interested parties and these are currently being examined with a view to identifying what action can be taken.

Significant measures have been introduced which make it easier than ever to bid for public contracts. A national public procurement website (www.etenders.gov.ie) was developed by my Department in recent years where all significant public sector contracts are now advertised. This central facility, which is available free of charge, increases transparency and greatly facilitates access to public sector contracts for all suppliers. On average, about 1,000 tendering opportunities are open at any given time. Significant efforts have been made, through advertising and promotion, to encourage suppliers to use the site and there are currently more than 37,000 suppliers registered. A facility whereby suppliers receive free email alerts when a tender notice that matches their areas of supply has been published is a key feature of the site. In addition, the site offers access to contracting authorities' buyer profiles and contacts as well as general information on public procurement, regulations and guidance.