Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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90. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he had discussions with the appropriate authorities involved in procurement with a view to ensuring the best value for money while meeting contractual assessment and commitments in the shortest possible time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10892/21]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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91. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which any refinement of the procurement system is required in order to eliminate delays and improve procedures, thereby maximising value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10893/21]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.

Public Procurement is governed by EU and national rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money.

The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) has responsibility for the National Public Procurement Policy Framework which sets the overarching policy framework for public procurement in Ireland. This framework enables a more consistent approach to public procurement across the public sector.

Individual Accounting Officers are responsible for ensuring that their public procurement functions are discharged in line with the standard accounting and procurement rules and procedures and that contract prices are fair and reasonable and represent best value for money.

The OGP has published the Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services on its website www.ogp.gov.ie. The Guidelines provide a comprehensive interpretation of the public procurement regulations designed to improve consistency and promote best practice in the application of the public procurement rules to deliver best value for money. In addition, the OGP's Key Account Managers are in regular contact with Procurement Officers in Government Departments and public bodies to assist and support them in fulfilling their obligations in relation to public procurement.

With regard to eliminating delays and improved procedures, minimum time limits are set down in the Procurement Regulations for the different stages of a contact award procedure for tenders above EU Thresholds. The Regulations also provide for an accelerated procedure in certain circumstances. For procurement below the EU Threshold, there are no prescribed time limits. However, sufficient time must be permitted for preparation and submission of responses by suppliers to allow for genuine competition and for SMEs to participate in the tender process. Contracting authorities are asked to consider the complexity of a contract when setting time limits for receipt of tenders.