Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
146 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the information technology purchasing requirements, for both hardware and software, in his Department for the second half of 2006; the requirements for which tender requests have been issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26032/06]
View answerThe Department plans to upgrade a number of hardware and software items in the second half of 2006. In the case of most software upgrades, there will be little or no purchasing requirements as the upgrades will be covered by existing software support contracts.
With regard to hardware, a number of servers have been identified for upgrade during the second half of 2006 and possibly into early 2007. As part of this upgrade process, a tender request was issued on www.etenders.gov.ie seeking responses from interested parties for the supply of servers as required for 1 year from the commencement of the contract.
147 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach his Department’s information technology purchasing policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26047/06]
View answerMy Department complies with guidance on the procurement of supplies and services as set out in the "Public Procurement Guidelines — Competitive Process" issued in 2004. These guidelines set out the steps to be followed in conducting an appropriate competitive process under EU and national rules.
In addition, "Information and Communications Technology — Guidance on use of Generic Technical Specifications", issued by CMOD, Department of Finance and NPPPU (National Public Procurement Policy Unit), in May 2005 are also complied with.
148 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the average size of information technology procurement contracts in his Department; the median size of such contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26077/06]
View answerTaking the figures for the past 12 months, the average size of information technology procurement contracts in my Department was €29,330.57. The median size of such contracts was €23,718.36.
149 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the steps he is taking to support the development of the indigenous software industry through his Department’s public procurement process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26092/06]
View answerMy Department complies with guidance on the procurement of supplies and services as set out in the "Public Procurement Guidelines — Competitive Process" issued in 2004. These guidelines set out the steps to be followed in conducting an appropriate competitive process under EU and national rules. During the evaluation and selection process itself, weighting is given to categories, defined in advance, appropriate to the procurement in question.
