Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received complaints from southern contractors that they are finding it difficult to compete with northern contractors on a cost basis for public contracts here; the action she as taken on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45283/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Public procurement policy is primarily a matter for my colleagues Brian Lenihan TD., Minister for Finance, who has responsibility for the National Public Procurement Policy Unit and also Martin Mansergh TD., Minister of State who has responsibility for the National Public Procurement Operations Unit in the OPW. I have received correspondence from Irish businesses regarding their concerns about strong competition with northern Irish companies for public sector contracts. I should however point out that under EU rules, public sector procurement must follow transparent open procedures ensuring fair conditions of competition for all suppliers, including across borders in all EU countries. I would also emphasise that Irish companies are equally able to compete for public sector contracts across the EU.

It is inevitable, given the slowdown in demand from the private sector that there will be greater competition for public contracts. I fully recognise the importance of the public sector market as a source of employment creation and growth for business in Ireland and I am committed to promote Irish company's participation in public sector contracts to the greatest extent possible. To this end the Government recently agreed to a new set of policy guidelines to stimulate innovative business activity in Ireland, ensure a level playing field for all companies wishing to participate in public tendering and promote greater access for SMEs to public sector contracts.