Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 2

Written Answers. - Government Supplies Agency.

Noel Dempsey

Question:

62 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to undertake a review of the Government Supplies Agency; if so, the purpose of this review; whether he intends to advertise for consultants to undertake this review; if so, whether he has advertised for such consultants; the names of the firms invited to submit tenders; the criteria by which these firms were selected; whether the review will take account of the proposal contained in the Price Waterhouse report of 1990 that stated that the Government Supplies Agency should be a stand alone agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14836/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Coveney)

The Commissioners of Public Works intend to engage consultants to carry out a review of the GSA. The purpose is to identify immediate steps which can be taken to improve efficiency. A restricted tendering procedure has been used with a closing date of 4 July. A number of public sector and private sector firms with substantial procurement functions have been asked to tender for this work. This is consistent with my wish that the GSA adopt the best practices prevailing in the public and private sectors. As the tender competition is not yet completed it would not be appropriate to name the firms who have been asked to quote.

The firm which submits the most economically advantageous tender will be selected for the work.

The Minister has also asked the CPW to carry out a strategic review of the Government procurement functions. Work is continuing on this — there is no proposal to engage consultants at present.