James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1521. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason there is no non-legal appeal process for SICAP tendering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55124/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The SICAP programme ended on 31 December 2017 with the next iteration, SICAP 2018 – 2022, rolling out 1 January 2018. 

As with the previous programme, the delivery of SICAP in 51 different geographical areas from 2018 onwards was tendered for by way of a public procurement process. This was conducted by the Local Community Development Committees, in accordance with the Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU, which comprises the most up-to-date EU procurement rules.  These rules together with the national Public Procurement Guidelines govern all public procurement and place an emphasis on best practice and value for money.  The rules do not provide for a non-legal appeal process.

Tender results for SICAP delivery issued to all bidders on 24 November last, and Programme Implementers have been put in place in 47 of the 51 Lot areas. I am aware that the process in four Lot areas did not result in a successful bid.  In such situations, the governing provisions, as referred to above, apply and provide for a negotiated procedure, which is a non-legal process. This is currently underway in these areas.  Arrangements have been put in place in these areas to ensure service delivery is not affected while the negotiated procedure takes place.