Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 233: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will, on behalf of all primary and secondary schools in the State, negotiate a competitive pricing arrangement with electricity and gas suppliers in order that schools can avail of cheaper bills for their energy needs; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that several other sectors in the public service have adopted this tactic with success; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20769/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has organised discussions with school management representatives recently with a view to a more collaborative approach to the procurement of goods and services within the school and VEC sectors. This meeting included representatives from the National Procurement Service (NPS) who explained the potential for the Unit to help schools achieve savings.

My officials will be working closely with officials from the NPS to identify areas within the education sector where a more collaborative approach between schools can leverage significant savings.

It is intended that the initial focus will be on the procurement of energy supplies.