Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2015
425. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps he has taken following his statement in February 2015 that he intended preventing any firm which has a contract with a tobacco group from tendering to work for bodies under the aegis of his Department; the further steps he is planning to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18384/15]
View answerAll tendering and procurement processes undertaken by my Department and by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, are subject to specific Government rules. These rules are followed in all instances.
I have written to the Attorney General seeking her advice on the criteria that may be applied to future contracts entered into by my Department and the agencies under its remit. Specifically, I have asked whether it is legally permissible to require firms tendering for contracts to sign a declaration that they have no contractual arrangements with tobacco companies.
I will consider the matter further when the Attorney General's advice is available.
