Vol. 515 No. 1
72 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has examined the possibility of buying public administration services from Northern Ireland on a contract basis in view of the fact public administration, defence, education and health represent 29% of the GDP of Northern Ireland and 14% of the GDP in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2417/00]
As the Deputy is aware, the engagement of services by Government Departments has to be carried out in accordance with EU law. Within that context, there is already much co-operation taking place between Departments here and in Northern Ireland. This extends in some cases to purchasing services where this can be done in a more cost efficient manner, thus delivering greater value for money, which is one of the guiding principles of public expenditure. Examples of this exist in the acute hospitals sector and in the engineering and design areas of public works. Structures exist between the two jurisdictions to continue and develop this co-operation.
The Deputy can be assured that, as opportunities arise, careful consideration will be given to further purchasing, where it can provide value for money. In the new context of co-operation between Northern Ireland and the South, on foot of the Good Friday Agreement, we could see this developing further.
