Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to streamline the public procurement process for small business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40969/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department recently established and chaired a Procurement Innovation Group who have developed new policy guidelines in conjunction with the National Public Procurement Policy Unit (NPPPU) in the Department of Finance and the National Public Procurement Operations Unit (NPPOU) in the OPW. The Group have produced two documents, which were published in July 2009: a Report with 13 recommendations — "Using Public Procurement to Stimulate Innovation and SME Access to Public Contracts" and a handbook entitled "Buying Innovation, The 10 Step Guide to SMART Procurement and SME Access to Public Contracts". This Guide has been distributed across the entire public sector. My Department will continue to chair the Procurement Innovation Group to oversee the implementation of the Report.

Across Government, we are committed to implementing this initiative and improving access for SMEs. One of the specific aims of the National Public Procurement Operations Unit in the OPW is to streamline tender and contract documentation where practical across the Public Sector to facilitate easier access for SMEs. The Unit has embarked on a programme to implement this policy aim. I look forward to seeing a level playing field for all innovative companies, increased numbers of SMEs winning public contracts and also the benefits that this will achieve in terms of long-term quality and value for money, both for the public sector and for the taxpayer.