John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

172. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has considered ring-fencing moneys in his Department directly to procurements of innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19262/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Given the nature of my Department’s business, the level of direct procurement undertaken represents a small percentage of our annual “Estimate”. In that regard, my Department’s Corporate Services Division is tasked with procurements relating to the day-to-day running of the Department and its Offices.

Procurements are undertaken with due regard to Government Financial guidelines, ensuring value to the exchequer and in compliance with relevant circulars relating to the use of centralised Framework Agreements and contracts negotiated under the auspices of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). Where no central OGP Framework Agreement is in place my Department procures directly.

With particular reference to ICT, my Department procures equipment and services, including maintenance of existing systems and development of new services. While all technology acquisition may be regarded as spending on innovation, the level of innovation in technology solutions varies. My Department is conscious of the need to keep its technology up to date; however, much of this spending will be for technology solutions which are tried and tested, as solutions with significant levels of innovation may carry additional project risks. On occasion, more innovative solutions are considered having regard to the nature of projects and the benefits offered by such new innovation.

Procurements relating to accommodation of the staff of the Department and any maintenance of such accommodations are the responsibility of the Office of Public Works.

Given that the bulk of procurement is undertaken from central Government contracts that my Department is required to use, consideration has not, to date, been given to ring-fencing moneys for the procurement of innovation.

Finally, it would be a day-to-day matter for each Agency under the auspices of my Department to organise its procurement as each sees fit within the confines of central Government Procurement instructions.