Metropolitan Area Networks Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2018

Thursday, 8 November 2018

Questions (56, 57)

Barry Cowen

Question:

56. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Government Procurement was involved in the renewal of the metropolitan area networks contracts in 2017; if so, the role the office played; the OGP guidelines in relation to renewing concessionary agreements across the public service; if it is standard practice under OGP guidelines not to engage in a tender process upon renewal of a concessionary agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46299/18]

Barry Cowen

Question:

57. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Government Procurement or its predecessor was involved in the tendering process for the metropolitan area networks concessionary agreements in 2004 and 2009; if so, the role the office played; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46300/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.

The Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) contracts are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. I understand that the Office of Government Procurement had no involvement in these contracts.

The general position in relation to public procurement is that a competitive process conducted in an open, transparent manner delivers best value for money. Procurement transactions and decisions must in all respects be fair, equitable and ensure value for money. Government Departments and public bodies must be able to justify decisions made and actions taken.