Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to undertake a further value for money analysis of the work of the Office of Public Works; if he will undertake a full review of procurement practices in the organisation and if this is currently under review; if he is currently reviewing the structure of this Department which was inherited from the British in 1922 and his views on whether it needs to be significantly restructured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36680/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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The Commissioners of Public Works advise that value for money studies are undertaken, as decided by Government under the Expenditure Review and Value for Money programme. The National Procurement Service (NPS) was established in the Office of Public Works following a Government decision in 2009. The NPS has a lead role in modernising procurement practices for goods and services across the public sector. The NPS groups its work around three main strategic goals namely (1) strategic sourcing; (2) education/development/guidance and (3) eProcurement. During the past 12 months it has been involved in extensive activities to further each of these goals. During the past year the NPS has launched major procurement campaigns in areas that have a reach across the majority of the public service and therefore afford an opportunity for heightened levels of collaboration and also promise the possibility of maximum return on investment.

The NPS has, to date, in conjunction with InterTrade Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and ISME given workshops and presentation to over 300 suppliers. This initiative will continue into 2011. Recognising the necessity to have access to the best of national and international advice on procurement and supply chain management, a procurement Advisory Group was established in 2010.

Since its establishment in 1831 the Office of Public Works has been restructured and re-organised on numerous occasions as its remit has changed and expanded and as National and EU legislation, eg the EU Floods Directive, demanded to meet changing political, social, cultural and public service demands. The present decentralisation programme has effected another restructuring of the organisation. The management of the Office of Public Works continually review work practices and structures to ensure the best service delivery model.