Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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118. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the specific circumstances or criteria under which the Office of Government Procurement is used to advise on or implement a tendering process in Departments or State organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44295/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Procurement is a key element of the Government’s Public Service Reform agenda and, given the volume of the State’s spend, it is essential that the Public Service operates in a co-ordinated and efficient way and delivers sustainable savings for the taxpayer.

The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) leads the reform programme and sets the overarching policy framework for public procurement in Ireland. 

The OGP together with four key sectors (Health, Defence, Education and Local Government) has responsibility for sourcing goods and services on behalf of the Public Service. 

The OGP has established a wide range of framework arrangements since it became operational in 2014. These arrangements are in accordance with EU Directives, national legislation and procurement best practice and support public bodies in delivering value for money and compliantly procuring goods and services to meet their needs.

The OGP also supports public sector bodies with bespoke competitions on a case by case basis. Guidelines and template documentation are available on the OGP website.  Furthermore, the OGP proactively engages with Government Departments, public bodies and industry to assist, support and provide advice and guidance in relation to public procurement.

Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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119. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it is standard procedure as part of a tendering process for the State to pay the costs of tendering for a Government contract to a third party that is tendering for that contract; if there are Office of Government Procurement rules regarding such a practice; the rules in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44296/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Public Procurement is governed by EU and National rules and guidelines. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. These rules do not prohibit a public body from providing some form of compensation to a supplier for the costs of tendering for a Government contract.  However, this approach would be taken only in exceptional circumstances for very complex or innovative procurement projects that would be costly for suppliers to prepare for.  It is not the standard procedure or common practice.