Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that he followed tendering guidelines when dealing with construction companies in relation to building projects at prisons here since 2003 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15303/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Public Accounts Committee is in the process of examining the procurement arrangements in respect of contracts awarded by the Irish Prison Service to one particular construction company during the period in question, so it would not be appropriate for me to comment specifically on that particular case at this time.

The Irish Prison Service has taken several major steps in recent years in order to ensure that maximum value for money is achieved for all expenditure. In March 2007, a new professionally trained central procurement unit was established within the Irish Prison Service, with the stated purpose of modernising the procurement function and introducing new policies and procedures to ensure that proper controls are exercised over the procurement process.

Following consultation with internal stakeholders, the Irish Prison Service Procurement Policy was issued by the Director General in September 2008. The Irish Prison Service Finance Directorate is engaged in an ongoing promotion and education process in relation to the Procurement Policy and related presentations have been made to staff at all levels within the organisation. The issue of procurement and, in particular, adherence to the Procurement Policy, is an ongoing item on the agenda for senior management meetings. During 2008, a number of key staff appointments were made to the Finance Directorate of the Irish Prison Service, including a Director with sole responsibility for Finance and Procurement.

The Irish Prison Service are committed to ensuring that procurement is carried out in an open and transparent manner with the overriding principle of achieving value for money.