Lucinda Creighton
Question:89 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to include sustainable metrics in all public procurement tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44676/10]
View answerThursday, 25 November 2010
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The main aim of public procurement policy is to ensure that all public sector purchasing is carried out in a manner that is legal, transparent, and secures optimal value for money for the taxpayer. Within this context, the policy approach allows for the promotion of wider Government objectives, where appropriate, such as facilitating small and medium-sized enterprises, or the promotion of social or environmental objectives. I understand that the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is at an advanced stage in the development of a National Action Plan on Green Procurement, which follows on from policy initiatives in this regard at EU level. That Plan, which is being prepared in consultation with my Department and the National Procurement Service (NPS) within the Office of Public Works, will address the sustainability matters referred to by the Deputy.