Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2010
519 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of contracts held by his Department and its agencies with telecommunication providers; if he will provide details of these contracts including the name of the telecommunication provider and associated financial agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37300/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraContracts held by my Department and its offices with telecommunication providers relate to three distinct areas: fixed data communications, fixed voice communications and mobile communications. A three stage review of these contracts is under way with a view to making significant cost savings as follows:
Fixed Data Communications.
Following a recent public tendering procedure, my Department has negotiated a contract with UPC to replace existing data communications links. This new contract is a fixed price contract payable quarterly and is expected to last for four years, subject to annual review. Significant cost savings are expected over that period compared to the previous contract. The existing contract with Eircom will terminate when the new connections are in place.
Fixed Voice Communications.
My Department currently has a contract with Eircom for the provision of fixed voice communications which involves quarterly payment on receipt of valid bills. Following installation of the data communications mentioned in above it is my Department's intention to issue a tender under the new Government ‘Fixed voice and Voice over IP Framework'. This is likely to take place in the first quarter of 2011 and given market conditions my Department would expect to achieve significant cost savings as a result.
Mobile Communications.
My Department currently has a contract with Vodafone for the provision of mobile phone and data communications which involves monthly payments on receipt of valid bills. Vodafone were awarded this contract under the Government ‘Mobile Voice and Data Framework'. A new tender under this Framework is expected to issue in the first quarter of 2011.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the State Agencies that come under the aegis of my Department is a day to day administrative matter for the agencies concerned.
520 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of contracts held by his Department and its agencies with energy providers; if he will provide details of these contracts including the name of the energy provider and associated financial agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37315/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the Offices of my Department do not have specific contracts with energy providers. The energy requirements of my Department and the Offices of my Department are catered for under special arrangements negotiated for Government Departments, Offices and Agencies by the Office of Public Works (through the Government Supplies Agency/National Procurement Service). I understand that the Office of Public Works/Department of Finance are providing details of those arrangements to the Deputy today.
