Vol. 465 No. 1
83 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health his views on the importation of incontinence pads costing in excess of £2 million a year in view of the fact that comparable products are manufactured in Ireland; and if he has satisfied himself that the public procurement policy operated by the joint purchasing committee needs examination. [9290/96]
Limerick East): The EU Directives on Public Procurement have legal effect and compliance with them is obligatory. I am satisfied that, in the case in question, the legal provisions were complied with and I am sure the Deputy would agree that all public bodies have a responsibility to ensure that the law is fully complied with.
The purpose of the procurement directives is to ensure that companies from other member states are not placed at a disadvantage when competing for a public contract with a local supplier of goods or services and Irish companies benefit from the opportunities which the implementation of these directives create.
