Public Procurement Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2013

Thursday, 17 October 2013

Ceisteanna (83)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

83. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the tens of millions in public contracts that were negotiated with the private bus operators by the Bus Éireann employee in the Dundalk School Transport Office, whose irregular actions were reported to An Garda Síochána, were awarded in accordance with the EU Directives on Procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43933/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Bus Éireann has confirmed that the irregular cash transactions identified through its own internal checks at its office in Dundalk were confined to a small number of ticket payments and had no bearing on the separate process of awarding contracts. The award of contracts for school transport services administered by the Dundalk office was in accordance with procurement obligations and instructions.