George Lee (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the tendering process used for the information communication and technology infrastructure grant scheme 2009 for primary schools; if schools must buy from one of five nominated suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46100/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that €22 million in ICT grants was issued to primary schools at the end of November, with the priority on ensuring that there is a teaching computer and digital projector in every classroom. Purchase of this ICT equipment will be under public procurement operations carried out by the schools.

The purchase of ICT equipment and associated products and services by the public sector was identified under the National Public Procurement Policy Framework as one of those areas where economies could be achieved. EU Directive 2004/18/EC provides for the use of Framework Agreements by the public sector. The public sector utilises such frameworks to facilitate greater flexibility in the acquisition of goods and services, and support more responsive pricing mechanisms that deliver better value for money. In this regard, four distinct National Frameworks for the supply of specific categories of ICT equipment to public sector bodies have been set up by the Department of Finance. The categories in question are PCs, Notebooks (laptops), Mono Laser Printers and Colour Laser Printers. The number of Suppliers on each Framework varies; the number of suppliers for PCs and Notebooks is five (5) and six (6) respectively, and all suppliers were selected following an open competitive tendering exercise in compliance with EU and national procurement rules.

In the interests of achieving best value for money, schools are required to use the Frameworks for the purchase of ICT equipment under the relevant categories. Schools can run a mini competitive tendering process by a simple email "Request for Quotation" to a single central email address, setting out their requirements. In addition to the core products of PCs and Notebooks, schools can also request quotations for associated services such as installation. While delivering competitive prices, the Frameworks are also all covered by a three year on-site next business day warranty and support. Operation of the Frameworks is governed by Vendor Participation Agreements, through which schools are able to benefit from a range of favourable terms and conditions, agreed in the aggregate for eligible non-commercial public sector bodies.

For procurement outside these four categories, where Frameworks do not exist, schools are required to carry out normal competitive tendering processes under general public procurement rules. All schools who received ICT grants have also been issued with a letter outlining the requirement to purchase from the Frameworks and to comply with public procurement rules. Additional specific guidance for schools regarding procurement and the Frameworks is available through the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE).

In addition to the four Frameworks mentioned above, a Framework for Digital Projectors for schools is in the process of being established, and is currently at tender evaluation phase. It is expected that this Framework will become available to schools in the next few weeks.