Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2018
59. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the relationship between the Office of Government Procurement, Departments and local authorities preparing, tendering and awarding procurement contracts. [46304/18]
View answerProcurement is a key element of the Government’s Public Service Reform agenda and, given the volume of the State’s spend, it is essential that the Public Service operates in a co-ordinated and efficient way and delivers sustainable savings for the taxpayer.
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) leads on the implementation of the reform programme and sets the overarching policy framework for public procurement in Ireland. The OGP together with four key sectors (Health, Defence, Education and Local Government) has responsibility for sourcing goods and services on behalf of the Public Service. This enables the Public Service to speak with “one voice” to the market for each category of expenditure, eliminating duplication and taking advantage of the scale of public procurement to best effect.
The OGP has established a wide range of framework arrangements since it became operational in 2014. These arrangements are in accordance with EU Directives, national legislation and procurement best practice and support public bodies in delivering value for money and compliantly procuring goods and services to meet their needs.
The OGP also supports public sector bodies with bespoke competitions on a case by case basis. Guidelines and template documentation are available on the OGP website. Furthermore, the OGP proactively engages with Government Departments, public bodies and industry to assist, support and provide advice and guidance in relation to public procurement.
While the OGP supports public bodies, individual accounting officers and accountable persons are responsible for procurement processes undertaken by their Department or public service body. Public procurement practices are subject to audit and scrutiny under the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993, and the Local Government Reform Act 2014, and Accounting Officers are publicly accountable for expenditure incurred. Individual contracting authorities are responsible for establishing arrangements for ensuring the proper conduct of their affairs, including conformance to standards of good governance and accountability with regard to procurement.
