Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of public contracts awarded to European companies and the number awarded to indigenous companies over the past five years; the monetary value of the projects awarded to European companies as opposed to indigenous companies for the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11613/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled within my Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible. Procurement by my department is undertaken based on the requirement to achieve value for money and bearing in mind our obligations under EU and national legislation, particularly concerned with transparency and non-discrimination: this does not permit us to distinguish between vendors based in Ireland or elsewhere in the EU. Nevertheless, my department is committed to ensuring that in procuring goods and services, our procedures do not impose barriers which could disadvantage small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in competing for contracts, while at the same time having regard to our legal obligations. In this respect we take into account the guidance set out in Finance Circular 10/10: Facilitating SME Participation in Public Procurement (13 August 2010) and Guidance for Public Contracting Authorities: Facilitating Participation of SMEs in Public Procurement. My Department has a long history of working closely with both large and small Irish based suppliers and service providers in meeting our requirements for goods and services. The Department is particularly conscious of the need for engagement with SMEs, particularly those involved in innovation. In this respect a senior official has been designated with responsibility for this area and is working closely with Enterprise Ireland to identify suitable opportunities.