Vol. 430 No. 5
41 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Finance if, arising out of recent experience elsewhere, he intends to ensure that the Apple Computer company in Cork gets a share of Government orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Government contracting procedures provide for open and competitive tendering to ensure best value for money. Guidelines are laid down for Government Departments and offices. In addition to these national procedures, the Deputy will appreciate that EC Directives apply to contracts over certain thresholds and the provisions of the Directives must be followed in the award of contracts.
I fully share the Deputy's concern about employment in Cork. She will understand, however, for the reasons already stated that neither I nor any other Government Minister is in a position to ensure that a particular company gets a share of any Government contracts.
