Vol. 553 No. 5
101 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if it is intended to implement the recommendations of the recently published report, A Strategy for the Implementation of eProcurement in the Irish Public Sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14508/02]
It is fully intended to implement the recommendations of the recently published Strategy for the Implementation of eProcurement in the Irish Public Sector.
Electronic procurement is a key initiative in the Government's 2002 Information Society Action Plan, New Connections. The strategy is a blueprint for the rollout of electronic procurement across the public sector aimed at providing an improved service to users, buyers and suppliers as well as better value for money by enhancing the buying power of public bodies, reducing transaction costs and optimising inventory levels. To this end an unprecedented reorganisation and restructuring of structures, processes and systems will take place. Changes in procurement processes and practices brought about by such a strategy will first be tested on a pilot basis before being extended generally to all procurement business activities in the wider public sector. The strategy was agreed following an extensive study and consultation process and when implemented will result in a much more efficient and cost effective public procurement regime.
