Vol. 489 No. 2
114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether contracts or extension of contracts, which might fall within the criteria for public advertisement and tender as required by EU or national legislation, were awarded by his Department or bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department without advertisement for public tender in the past seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7758/98]
It is the policy of my Department to comply with relevant EU legislation in relation to the advertising of contracts and the Government contracts committee is consulted as appropriate in relation to national contracting procedures. The following companies were engaged in connection with the beef tribunal in the special circumstances outlined in each case:
Doyle Court Reporters
This company was engaged to provide stenographic services. Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the setting up of the tribunal and the uncertainty of its duration, competitive tenders were not sought. The State legal team indicated that only firms which could supply overnight transcripts would be suitable and recommended Doyle Court Reporters.
John Hogan and Associates
This company was recommended to my Department through the Department of the Taoiseach at the specific request of the State legal team.
