Vol. 485 No. 2
87 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number and identity of all contracts in excess of £300,000 awarded by his office or other bodies under the aegis of his Department from the period 30 June 1997 to date; whether these contracts were awarded by public tender or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23138/97]
My Department deals with many hundreds of separate transactions and contracts relating to marine, forestry, mining and petroleum affairs. Contracts are awarded by public tender or otherwise in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines.
It would not be practicable, having regard to the time available and the inordinate commitment of staff time and resources that would be involved, to give details of all contracts awarded by my Department. I am reviewing the information which could be made available to the Deputy without placing any undue burden on resources and I shall communicate further with the Deputy in that regard.
In the case of bodies operating under the aegis of my Department, the awarding of contracts would normally be a day to day matter for the body concerned and would be outside the direct responsibilities of my Department.
