Vol. 497 No. 6
108 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the role, if any, the Valuation Office has in relation to the acquisition of property by third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25848/98]
Guidelines on the award of public sector contracts in Ireland are contained in a document entitled "Public Procurement", which was updated in 1994 by the Government contracts committee. The focus of the document is on the procedures which should be followed by Departments, local and regional authorities and other bodies dependent on State funding in the award of public sector contracts. In accordance with the procedures laid down in the document, buildings and sites are examined and evaluated professionally before a decision is made to purchase. In the case of the acquisition of property by third level institutions, my Department requests the submission of valuations undertaken by the Valuation Office. In certain cases, the Valuation Office will also provide advice to third level institutions and-or assist in negotiations which may lead to the acquisition of a property.
