Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2023
41. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if she will work with a school (details supplied) so that it can be included in a public procurement framework for period products from which they are currently excluded, or if there is an alternative scheme for voluntary non-fee-paying schools to access similar supports. [48951/23]
View answerIn June of this year, the Office of Government Procurement established a new arrangement to supply cleaning, paper, personal hygiene, and period equality products. The framework is available at OGP (www.buyerzone.gov.ie) .
During development of the framework and at the request of my Department, it was arranged that it could also be accessed by any primary, post-primary, special or secondary school as well as ETB schools. The framework arrangements offer value for money and a high-quality service that is compliant with EU and National law. Full details and a step by step guide on access and use of the framework is available at OGP (www.buyerzone.gov.ie)
The Deputy may also wish to note that the Schools Procurement Unit is the central support resource for providing guidance and support to primary and post-primary schools (except ETB schools) on any procurement-related issue. The SPU can be contacted by email at procurementsupport@spu.ie or by telephone at (01) 2035899. I hope the information here will be helpful for the school in question.
