Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 3

Written Answers. - Public Tendering.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

31 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the steps, if any, he has taken to improve the participation rate by small business in public tendering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4473/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I am committed to assisting small business in assessing public markets. I believe that it is essential that small business should have all the information and advice necessary so that public purchasing can become a more accessible market for small business.

The Small Business Operational Programme, which I launched on 12 September 1995, includes a specific measure on public procurement. This measure will provide £3.2 million over the next five years to assist small business in accessing public markets and is being implemented by Forbairt and An Bord Tráchtála. A committee is currently in the process of selecting proposals to implement the measure. This committee is representative of my Department, the Department of Tourism and Trade, Forbairt, An Bord Tráchtála, the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, the Irish Institute of Purchasing Managers and the small business representative associations ISME and SFA.

I am confident that the operational programme will result in the development of measures which will substantially improve the participation rate by small business in public tendering.