Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 December 2016
282. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the programme for Government commitment to conduct a consultation on the merits of establishing a procurement ombudsman. [40835/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government has a number of objectives in relation to public procurement including supporting SME access, conducting a consultation on the merits of establishing a Procurement Ombudsman, conducting an independent review of the Tender Advisory Service (TAS), refining the new procurement structures, such as the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), as they bed down and making adjustments according to best international practice and in conjunction with Irish businesses
My colleague, Minister of State Eoghan Murphy, who has responsibility for public procurement, presented his proposed holistic approach to meeting these commitments to the SME Working Group in October. Minister of State Murphy has asked the OGP to evaluate the existing review and appeal mechanisms in place in public procurement and assess if they are sufficient, appropriate and proportionate. The experience in other jurisdictions will inform the evaluation. Consultation will be conducted through the SME Higher Level and Working Groups to ensure input from industry representatives and public sector practitioners. It is important to balance the need for appropriate appeal mechanisms with the onus on the State to deliver projects in a timely, efficient and effective manner that delivers value for money for the taxpayer.
