Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to investigate and alter restrictively high turnover requirements for public procurement tenders, with specific regard to electrical e-tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17794/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The position is that whilst public bodies may use a prospective contractor's turnover to assess a company's financial capacity, there are no centrally imposed requirements for a minimum turnover. Such requirements would normally be developed on a case by case basis with reference to the specific needs of the contract. The Government recognises that the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector is very important to the economy and that public procurement can be a source of business for SMEs. In this regard, my Department has issued public procurement guidelines to public bodies which are aimed at facilitating greater participation of SMEs in public procurement opportunities. These guidelines are aimed at encouraging recently established firms, or firms with no previous experience of public contracts to tender for public projects. In relation to suitability criteria, public bodies are reminded that turnover levels set by them must be both justifiable and proportionate to the needs of the contract.