Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

102. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to curtail the ability of contractors to tender for projects with his Department in circumstances in which it is shown that they have failed to honour contractual commitments and obligations under previous contracts with his Department; the steps he is taking to address such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22580/19]

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

The EU Procurement Directives set the parameters for tendering processes and possible exclusion of contractors from same.

The Department of Education and Skills at all times acts in accordance with public procurement legislation. Under the EU Procurement Directives, it is very difficult to exclude a contractor from a tendering process.

In terms of future contracts, the Department will at all times act in accordance with the legislation governing public procurement and will take legal advice as necessary. My Department will continue to liaise with and be advised by the Chief State Solicitors Office on such matters.