Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
547. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to instances of litigation or the threat of litigation arising from the inclusion of social clauses in public procurement contracts in each of the years 2017 to 2020. [16588/21]
View answerThe Department of Defence and the Defence Forces procure a wide variety of goods, services and works annually in accordance with both national and EU regulatory requirements and there is regular review of processes to ensure that best practise is observed regarding legal and competition protocols. Incorporated in the competitive processes are social clauses designed to ensure that the objectives enshrined in environmental, labour, health and safety and equality legislation are met as appropriate to the actual contract concerned.
I am advised that no instances of litigation nor threats of litigation have occurred regarding contractual procurement on the part of either the Department of Defence or the Defence Forces in the years 2017 to 2020 arising from the inclusion of social clauses.
