Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

419. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the circumstances in which Leader funding can deliver training courses at no cost, when such courses have been provided locally by a commercial training company; if the Leader company should tender the delivery of such courses; the requirements of that process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35352/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, in line with the 'bottom-up' approach to rural development, there are 34 Local Action Groups contracted, on my Department's behalf, to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 throughout the country.

Training activities are currently funded through a specific training measure under the LEADER programme. This measure has the objective of equipping rural dwellers and communities with an appropriate range of skills and training. It should be noted that the Local Action Group are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding, including for the training measure. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with the rules and regulations governing the programme, including displacement and public procurement requirements.

It is a basic principle of public procurement that a competitive process should be used unless there are justifiably exceptional circumstances. The type of competitive process can vary depending on the size and characteristics of the contract to be awarded and the nature of the contracting authority. Where projects are undertaken by the Local Action Group itself or by associated companies, the projects must be subject to the same evaluation process and scrutiny as outside promoters.

To ensure value for money in respect of projects run by the Local Action Group, a check must be completed to determine whether a more cost effective delivery of the project/service may be available. To this end, the Local Action Group must publicly advertise/seek quotations from outside providers to ensure that at all times that there is a clear competitive situation.