Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department and the Irish Prison Service awarded contracts worth €100 million to one construction company despite only one, €4.7 million, project going to tender; the steps he has taken in the past to prevent taxpayers money being wasted in the course of prison and other projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14193/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Accounting Officer and the Director General of the Irish Prison Service have briefed me in relation to all matters raised at the Public Accounts Committee hearing held in March. In relation to contracts awarded to a particular construction company as referred to by the Deputy, I understand that this issue is the subject of a review by the Public Accounts Committee so it would not be appropriate for me to comment specifically on the issues raised 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 enhanced 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 is committed to ensuring that procurement is carried out in an open and transparent manner in line with best practice with the overriding principle of achieving value for money.

Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 111.

Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 85.