Written answers

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Procurement Contracts

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

197. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding procurement contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35678/14]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Public Procurement is governed by EU and National rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. It would be a breach of the EU rules for a public body to favour or discriminate against particular candidates on grounds of nationality, and there are legal remedies which may be used against any public body infringing these rules.

It is the responsibility of each contracting authority to ensure that tenderers comply with all the requirements of the process. 

I would point out that in 2011 approximately 10% (valued at €240M) of the contracts awarded above EU thresholds in the State went to non-domestic companies. This represents less than 5% of the overall annual public procurement spend (approximately €13billion). More up to date data on above EU threshold contracts for 2012 and 2013 will be available later this year.

Finally, it should also be borne in mind that open tendering is a two way street and that it provides Irish companies with opportunities to compete abroad. The public procurement market in the EU is estimated to be valued in excess of €2.4 trillion. The open market regime offers opportunities for Irish companies to win business abroad and reliable EU studies indicate that many Irish businesses are successful in this regard.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.