I propose to take Questions Nos. 308, 309 and 311 together.
The information technology purchasing policy of my Department is to ensure that all procurements comply with procurement law, provide value for money and fitness for purpose, and to comply with all applicable standards.
My Department procures, where appropriate, from Public Service-wide framework contracts. However, no categorisation of any suppliers takes place in a procurement exercise as this is not permitted under procurement rules. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the precise breakdown requested by the Deputy. I can say however, because the purchasing was for one major system, that during 2004 and 2005, €616,000 was spent on indigenous software from an Irish SME. Most of my Department's software is now being built in-house. A significant part of this development is based on open source software.
My Department, as part of its central remit, manages the cross-agency committee which is responsible for putting in place Public Service wide framework contracts for hardware and software. This committee has employed the LGCSB for contract management of the frameworks. These frameworks will whenever possible make specific reference to the desirability of SME involvement.
The framework recently set up for PCs involves a supplier who is an Irish SME. The nominated re-sellers for 3 of the other suppliers on the framework are also SMEs. Additional frameworks will be put in place this year for laptops and for printers. These tenders will also similarly reference the desirability of SME involvement.
It is not possible under public procurement law to make a preference for indigenous companies.