Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
124. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach the cost and public procurement process for the Blue Star EU education programme; if there was a tendering competition and if he will confirm whether the body (details supplied), that was awarded the contract, the only non-governmental organisation which tendered and if this was the cheapest tender in the competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43195/12]
View answerThe aim of the Blue Star programme is to foster better understanding and knowledge among primary school children of the EU and how the EU affects our lives.
An invitation to tender for the role of National Coordinator for the programme was published on the eTenders Public Procurement website on 12 October 2011. Details are available here - http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT275739.
Five proposals were received, four from NGOs or other firms within the State and one from outside the State.
The most economically advantageous tender was received from European Movement Ireland for €39,785, and, accordingly, the contract to manage the programme was awarded to EMI.
Over 30 schools in 12 counties successfully completed the programme in the 2011-12 school year with around 2,500 pupils participating.
The Blue Star contract provided for extension of the programme subject to a satisfactory outcome of the first year’s pilot phase. On the basis of the successful implementation of the pilot phase programme by EMI, the programme is being renewed for another year. The cost of the 2012/2013 programme will be €48,000. It is expected that the 2012-13 programme will see a significant increase in the number of participating schools covering a wider geographical spread. A module on Ireland's forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union will also be incorporated into the programme.
