Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government recognises the importance of the SME sector and continues to enhance the already substantial measures to support SMEs in accessing the public procurement market. My Department recently published Circular 05/2023: Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement, which replaced Circular 10/2014. The circular sets out a number of measures for contracting authorities to take to promote SME participation in public sector procurement including the advertising of all contracts for supplies and services with an estimated value of €50,000 (exclusive of VAT) and upwards on eTenders, the national tendering platform. To ensure maximum exposure to these tendering opportunities, any business with an interest in providing goods or services to the public sector is required to register their company information on eTenders, with relevant business alerts (known as Common Procurement Vocabulary codes).

The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) launched a new eTenders platform in May 2023. To assist suppliers with the registration process, the OGP has developed interactive walkthroughs and user manuals, which are available on www.etenders.gov.ie. A dedicated helpdesk has also been established to address any technical queries regarding the new eTenders. Further resources for suppliers, including a dedicated “Sell to Government” information page and informational videos, are available on the OGP website and YouTube channel.

The OGP has published the National Public Procurement Guidelines which provide a comprehensive interpretation of the public procurement regulations. The guidelines, while aimed primarily at public bodies, provide a useful means by which businesses, interested in doing business with public bodies, can familiarise themselves with the public procurement rules, processes and procedures.

Through its agencies Enterprise Ireland and the Network of Local Enterprise Offices, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) provide a range of tailored supports for enterprises of all sizes in Ireland. DETE has developed an online government guide, supportingSMEs.gov.ie, to help SMEs identify which of the numerous government supports they can avail of. SMEs can also read about the latest news affecting their businesses, find out about upcoming events that may relate to their business, and access guides on relevant topics including public procurement.