Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

118. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff working in the procurement area for major State infrastructure projects in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4576/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Procurement is an important element in the planning and delivery of infrastructure projects and therefore impacts on the work of most of the circa. 150+ staff working in my Department’s Planning and Building Unit.

A procurement team within the Unit has responsibility for providing guidance and advice in relation to procurement matters including the development and regular updating of procurement guidance documentation. The procurement team is lead by a Technical Manager and includes input from 4 other staff.

It is important to note that a significant element of my Department’s capital programme is delivered on a devolved basis through external agencies and bodies such as the National Development Finance Agency, Grangegorman Development Agency, Education and Training Boards, Higher Education Institutions and Schools. Procurement is one of the functions dealt with as part of these devolved arrangements.