Public Procurement Contracts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

Questions (1069)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

1069. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of contracts of €25,000 or more that have been awarded by his Department or bodies under his aegis that were found to be non-compliant with procurement guidelines in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the value and nature of the contact work carried out in each case; the year of each contract in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11370/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in procurement and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with relevant guidelines and legislation. EU and national rules promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers value for money.

Circular 40/02 issued by the Department of Finance requires my Department to report all contracts above €25,000 (exclusive of VAT) awarded without a competitive process to the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) by 31 March of the following year.

Information for 2018 and 2019 is not readily available in the format requested. Officials in my Department will collate the information and forward it directly to the Deputy. Information on contracts awarded in 2020 and 2021, that do not comply with procurement rules are not yet available.

Procurement is an operational matter for bodies that come under the aegis of my Department.