Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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154. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are changes to the long-term practice at the Garda College, Templemore, in which local suppliers were favoured in all supply contracts to the college in view of the fact that a change will have a serious impact on the provision of jobs by these local suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30605/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Interim Audit Report in relation to the financial procedures in the Garda College Templemore prepared by the Garda Internal Audit Section makes a series of recommendations in relation to the operation of the Garda College. The findings of Report are a cause of concern to me and I am assured that the Garda Commissioner recognises the gravity of the issues raised and that the Garda Authorities are taking comprehensive steps to progress the recommendations in the Report.

Recommendation 8 of the Interim Audit Report states that: "All purchases for the College including the restaurant should be strictly in accordance with public procurement legislation. Advice should be sought from the Public Procurement Office in Garda H.Q. and the Office of Government Procurement in this regard.”

I am informed by the Commissioner that An Garda Síochána has met with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) to discuss the suitability of existing frameworks and the most appropriate mechanisms to ensure appropriate procurement procedures are in place in the Garda College. An Garda Síochána is continuing to work with the OGP to implement appropriate procurement procedures as quickly as possible .

As the Deputy will also be aware the Interim Audit Report is the subject of an examination by the Public Accounts Committee. I understand that it has concluded its hearings and is to publish a report on the matter before the Summer recess.