Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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133. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will examine the tender documentation issued by Irish Water which will block many Irish companies from tendering (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4514/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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As Irish Water is a commercial utility and a subsidiary of Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE), formed and registered under the Companies Act, I have no role in relation to the procurement by Irish Water of external resources. This is an operational matter for the company.

However, Irish Water assures me that their tendering processes are fully compliant with public procurement rules.

I understand from the company that t he relevant tenders were designed by engineering expertise seconded directly from local authorities with direct knowledge of the local supply base and, in consultation with Irish Water legal, insurance and Health, Safety, Quality and Environment Sections.

The methodology was not designed to exclude smaller companies. The framework contracts did include local authority area panels to allow as many smaller contractors as possible to be included and ensure competition. Irish Water confirms that significant numbers of local smaller contractors have been awarded framework contracts.