Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:295 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department sanctions all public contracts or procurements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19684/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 May 2006
Ceisteanna (241, 242, 243)
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:296 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if the full regime of public procurement procedures are applied in respect of all State contracts or procurements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19685/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard J. Durkan
Ceist:297 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that adequate provision exists to ensure value for money in respect of all State contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19686/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 295 to 297, inclusive, together.
Primary responsibility for the procurement of projects, goods and services rests with Departments and implementing agencies in accordance with national and EU procurement requirements within the context of the expenditure Estimates and related expenditure guidelines and requirements. Departments and agencies are required to procure projects, goods and services on a value for money basis. The value for money framework which applies to all public bodies includes:
•the 5 year rolling multi-annual capital envelopes for public capital investment introduced in Budget 2004;
•new guidelines for the appraisal and management of capital expenditure in February 2005;
•proposed reforms to public procurement;
•value for money measures announced in October 2005 in relation to procurement, ICT projects and consultancies which include provision for fixed priced construction contracts as the norm, full cost benefit analysis of capital projects over €30 million, audit of these major capital projects, the appointment of an individual as project manager for major capital and ICT projects and peer review of major ICT projects. These and related requirements are now codified in Department of Finance Circular Letter of 25 of January, 2006 to Departments.
Departments and implementing agencies are responsible for ensuring that the public procurement function is discharged honestly, fairly, and in a manner that secures best value for public money. The Management Committees of Departments and the Boards of public bodies must ensure that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in procurement and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidelines. Departments, in the main, approve contracts under delegated authority from my Department. I am satisfied that these initiatives and the greater focus on best practice that I expect from all within the public service will help deliver improved value for money for the taxpayer.