Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
319. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans, if any, to direct all local authorities to accept childcare expenses as a budget line when engaging third-party contractors for works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46168/23]
View answerI have no function in this matter.
My Department does not have direct involvement in the executive functions such as procurement, carried out by a local authority. Under Section 149 of the Local Government Act 2001, the Chief Executive of a local authority is responsible for the executive functions of the local authority, and for that purpose to manage and control generally, the administration and business of the authority, subject to law.
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP), an office within the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform, was established for the purpose of centralising procurement arrangements for common goods and services right across the public sector, including Local Authorities. The OGP has established a number of Framework Agreements and Contracts for goods and general services.
The Local Government Operational Procurement Centre (LGOPC), based in Kerry County Council, has responsibility for the operation of certain procurement categories. The LGOPC operates the SupplyGov frameworks website, acting as a central procurement authority for those categories.
