John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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101. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide information on an education and training centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46111/18]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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ETBs procure a wide range of goods and services in order to meet the needs of the administrative offices, schools and further education and training centres under their remit. In this regard ETBs operate in accordance with national and European procurement regulations and guidelines.

I have contacted Tipperary Education Training Board with regard to the Deputy’s question and I can confirm that Tipperary ETB staff in consultation with a firm of procurement consultants drafted the invitation to tender document with advice from SOLAS Technical Staff. The tender was set out in eleven individual lots which I have outlined in the table attached.  I am informed that all unsuccessful tender respondents were notified in writing stating the reason that they were not successful in the tender process.  HRP Limited were successful in five of the lots and therefore were awarded one contract which was in excess of one million euro.

A member of the Tipperary Education Training Board was present at the tender opening. Tipperary ETB staff members were involved in the tender evaluation. The tender was reported and noted by the board of the Tipperary ETB.  The Chief Executive, signed the HRP Limited contract. The minutes of the board meeting and that of the audit and risk committee are attached to this response.

I can also confirm that a professionally qualified financial person is on the Audit Committee of Tipperary ETB.  Payments are made on the basis of approved invoices. All payments from Tipperary ETB are processed by Electronic Fund Transfer and are authorised by the Training Services Manager and where payments exceed €100,000, the CEO authorises the payment.

I can report that the board of Tipperary ETB and the CEO are satisfied that is no conflict of interest in relation to this contract.

Tipperary ETB's invitation to tender for supply of vehicles, plant and tools for Thurles Further Education and Training Centre, County Tipperary on etenders.gov.ie on 22 January 2018.

Responses to tender received

Contracts Awarded.