Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
343 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources 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. [26035/06]
View answerMy Department will require additional hardware and software for a number of projects currently underway, which include: ICT fit-out for new decentralisation offices in Clonakilty and Cavan; Upgrade of Operating System and Desktop Productivity Tools for Windows 2003. Tenders for these projects were published on the public sectors' electronic tenders website, www.etenders.gov.ie.
344 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his Department’s information technology purchasing policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26050/06]
View answerAll ICT requirements for my Department are procured through our Information Systems Division. All procurements are conducted in compliance with Department of Finance public procurement guidelines.
345 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage of information technology spend in his Department that went to Irish SMEs in each year from 2002 to date in 2006; the percentage for European Union and European Economic Area SMEs; if systems are in place in his Department’s procurement procedures to give preference to SMEs, such as the weighting system in place in the Local Government Computer Services Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26065/06]
View answerIn the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling the data sought by the Deputy in this regard and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible.
346 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources 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. [26080/06]
View answerThe average size of IT procurement contracts from January 2006 to date in my Department is €114,408.40; the median size of these contracts is €92,202.
347 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources 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. [26095/06]
View answerMy Department does not discriminate in favour of any specific vendors or vendor categories, in line with EU and Department of Finance Guidelines for Public Procurement. I would like to add that indigenous SMEs have a good track record within my Department for winning ICT contracts through the competitive process.
