Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
272. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that all external services and consultants retained by An Bord Pleanála have been procured in accordance with the relevant procurement law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55515/21]
View answerAn Bord Pleanála's expenditure on consultancy services and external services is a matter for the Board. It should be noted that arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
An Bord Pleanála has confirmed it has procedures in place to ensure compliance with current procurement rules and guidelines. During 2020, An Bord Pleanála identified two areas, relating to archive facilities and the recording of oral hearing services, where it acknowledged that there was not full compliance with procurement requirements. The Board indicated in its Annual Report that it would follow up on the tendering of these contracts this year.
