Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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197. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he has concerns regarding the awarding of the contract for the main ICT Infrastructure in the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to cover licencing of casinos and self-exclusion registers. [17961/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that the recent procurement process and awarding of the subsequent contract for the Provision of Licensing and Operational Support ICT Systems and Related Services on behalf of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was conducted in line with all national and EU procurement rules. These rules promote an open, competitive, and non-discriminatory tendering regime which delivers value for money for the taxpayer.

My Department, on behalf of the GRAI, published a tender competition in mid-2023. The Tender Evaluation Team established for the procurement process included significant ICT experience internally, together with four independent external panel members, each with extensive experience in large ICT procurement projects.

A comprehensive competitive dialogue tendering process concluded in October 2024 and a preferred bidder was identified. Contract negotiations began with the preferred bidder shortly afterwards and concluded with signing of the contract by the Department of Justice on 5 February 2025. I am further advised that the process was subject to the usual independent in-depth peer review and approval process before proceeding to contract, resulting in the most economically advantageous tender being successful.