Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2012
40 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he has taken to ensure that small and medium enterprises are resourced, trained and supported to tender for State contracts [20903/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic procurement affords an opportunity for SMEs to secure new business and grow employment; approximately €14 billion will be spent by public bodies this year in purchasing goods and services. The Action Plan for Jobs sets out a series of measures to improve access to public procurement for SMEs. My Department is working collaboratively with key players such as the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the National Procurement Service (NPS), Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland to deliver the commitments in the Action Plan.
The National Procurement Service (NPS), Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland, collaboratively and separately, organise events on a regular basis to advise and train SMEs in the public procurement process.
The NPS organised or participated in 26 such events over the past 14 months, which were attended by over 2,700 people. These included events to advise local SMEs on tendering for public sector contracts, training sessions for public sector buyers, workshops aimed at assisting SMEs to access the public procurement market, and — in conjunction with InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland —"Meet the Buyer" events which bring together procuring authorities and potential suppliers.
Enterprise Ireland is assigning advisors and mentors to help client companies to prepare better for public procurement opportunities. The agency also plays a key role in introducing procuring authorities to suitable innovative SMEs through workshops specially convened for this purpose.
InterTradeIreland organises two day training/workshops for SMEs, held north and south of the Border, followed by two days of "one to one" mentoring support. The participating SMEs can also apply for an additional 3 days consultancy/mentoring thereafter to assist in actual tendering, scoping markets and tailored advice. These workshops are often over-subscribed and more are planned to be held in 2012 to meet demand.
The continued close engagement by the agencies with SMEs is helping companies to prepare better to tender for State contracts.
