Vol. 514 No. 4
112 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to concern at the impact on previous suppliers, particularly those in sheltered employment, of a change in his Department's procedures for tendering for contracts to supply materials to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4418/00]
The purchase of supplies and services for the Defence Forces is subject to the guidelines set down by Government and the European Union directives relating to public procurement, central to which is the requirement to ensure competitive tendering. In the case of EU competitions the opportunity must be afforded to suppliers in all member states to participate. Within this framework it is incumbent on the Department when awarding contracts to seek to obtain best value for money and in all areas this involves consideration of economies which may be available through bulk or long-term supplies. These arrangements are of long standing and tenders from all suppliers, including those concerned with sheltered employment, are considered on their merits.
