Vol. 509 No. 6
285 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Finance the reason the reprinting of the school books for the revised primary school curriculum was not carried out in Ireland; if he has satisfied himself that the publishing could not have been done in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21341/99]
295 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Finance the reason the contract for the reprinting of the school books for the revised primary school curriculum was allocated by the Government Supplies Agency to a company outside of Ireland when it was clear a group of Irish publishers could have done the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21388/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 295 together.
As required under EU Directives and in accordance with national procurement guidelines, a tender competition for the printing of the new primary school curriculum and teacher guidelines was advertised in the EU Journal on Wednesday 30 March 1999 and in the national newspapers on the same day. Six valid tenders were received, four from within the State, one from Northern Ireland and one from Italy.
All these tenders were assessed by the Government Supplies Agency on the basis of the award criteria which were published in the tender documentation. The tender from Mozzon-Giuntina SPA, Italy proved to be the most economically advantageous and, accordingly, the print contract was awarded to them.
I am satisfied that all EU and national procurement competition requirements were adhered to in this case and that the best value for money outcome was achieved.
