Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1005. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection the policy of her Department to ensure that Irish-based businesses, SMEs in particular, are not prevented from tendering for Government and State business; the measures she has put in place to ensure that Irish businesses are supported in tendering for Government or State business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37903/23]
View answerPublic Procurement is governed by EU legislation and National rules and guidelines to ensure compliance with the principles of transparency, non-discrimination and equal treatment which are key to demonstrating the State’s attainment of maximum value for money through competitive procedures. To create a level playing field for all businesses across the Single European Market, EU law sets out minimum harmonised procurement rules for all Member States.
My Department recognises the importance of Irish based business and SMEs and supports the delivery of policy measures already developed by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), aimed at assisting these sectors. Such provisions are set out in Circulars 05/23 and 10/14 (Initiatives to assist SMEs in Public Procurement). A number of measures have been implemented by my Department, many of which are linked to these provisions, including the following:
- Use of the OGP Central Framework Agreements where possible.
- Subdivision of contracts into lots, based on geographic location, specialism and/or value.
- Advertising all procurements for supplies and services in excess of €50,000 on eTenders and greater use of Requests for Quotes (RFQ’s). Circular 5/23 has raised the threshold for RFQ’s from €25,000 (ex VAT) to €50,000 (ex VAT).
- My officials encourage registration by all users on eTenders portal to avail of OGP events which assist Irish based businesses and SMEs.
- Undertaking procurements under an ‘open’ process with minimal use of ‘restricted’ tendering.
- Proportionate turnover requirements and insurance levels.
- Tenderers are only asked for a declaration of capacity and supporting documentation in the event of being shortlisted or considered for the contract.
- Encouraging SMEs to consider establishing a consortium where they do have capacity in their own right or do not have capacity to scale up to deliver a contract.
My Department will continue to support Irish based businesses and SMEs in competing for future public procurement contracts, including delivering on the relevant commitments in relation to public procurement in the Programme for Government.
