Liam Lawlor
Question:29 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Finance the Cabinet guidelines, if any, on limiting the cost of Government publications. [11888/95]
Written Answers. - Government Publications Costs.
In 1987 Government decided that procurement functions, including the Stationery Office, should be combined in one Agency for the Central Management of Government procurement under the Office of Public Works. The Government Supplies Agency which came into being on 1 January 1988 controlled the funding for printing and publishing for all Government Departments up to the end of 1989. From 1 January 1990 funding for publications was assigned to individual Departments and Offices and with it accountability for the proper expenditure of such funding. The GSA retains responsibility for the negotiation and placing of all contracts for printing Government publications.
The Department of Finance has overall responsibility for all Government procurement and in relation to printing and allied areas has issued instructions from time to time to all Departments to ensure the most stringent economies in printing costs. The most recent reminder was issued in March of this year.
As an aid to Departments the GSA issues general guidelines on how economies may be achieved. When consulted the GSA will also advise Departments about particular possibilities for economy (paper size and quality and printing system). It must be remembered that Government publications must be of a high standard of quality and attractiveness given their use as a means of dissemination of information on the workings of Government. Many Government publications are of long-term interest and are used regularly for many years so there is also a requirement that they be of a durable quality. Expenditure incurred in making a publication attractive can often be recouped by increased sales through outlets which might not be interested if the appearance of the publication was unattractive.
In placing contracts the GSA seeks competitive tenders and selects suppliers on the principle of obtaining the best value for money for the individual Department in line with meeting their particular production requirements.