Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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260. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public procurement competitions that were held in 2021; the number of competitions that received no bidding applicants; the number of Irish language requirements that are part of the contract award criteria and contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7289/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In 2021 there have been a total of 69 public tender competitions published by my Department and agencies/bodies under the auspices of my Department. Of those 69 published competitions, only 5 received no responses.

My Department is committed to meeting its obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003 and, in particular, the commitments outlined in the Department’s Official Languages Scheme which is available on the Department's website. This Scheme sets out a standard approach across the Department to fulfilling obligations in relation to the Irish language, taking into account what is practical and achievable.

While the tendering process is facilitated through the national tendering platform, certain elements of data on public contracts, including contract award criteria in relation to Irish language requirements, is held by the contracting authorities concerned and is not available to report on an aggregated basis.