Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2019
105. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of employees in his Department authorised to engage in procurement; the number professionally qualified with organisations (details supplied); the number with other relevant professional qualifications; and the number with no professional qualifications, in tabular form. [1906/19]
View answerThe Procurement Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for the management, coordination and implementation of procurement processes, and procures services, goods and works on behalf of the Department. It oversees the implementation of procurement rules and procedures in accordance with national and European procurement regulations. The section engages with Departmental budget holders to develop their tenders, advises on procurement routes to market and assists with appropriate pre-market engagement when required. It provides procurement logistic support and advice to the Evaluation Committee.
The Procurement Unit has five staff, three of whom have obtained a relevant professional qualification.
In addition, the Department employs six accountants, all of whom are professionally qualified.
