Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
585. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the nature of the work carried out by private investigation firms for Coillte; the way in which contracts are awarded to these firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7193/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoillte CGA was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the engagement of service providers, are the responsibility of the company. The company has, however, advised that it may, on occasion, engage the services of private investigators, under guidance from their insurers and legal advisors, in relation to certain issues, for example, the theft of timber from the company’s forests. The company also advise that, as the cost of such engagements are significantly below the threshold at which a tender process is required, contracts may be awarded on the basis of experience, the type of work involved, recommendation, or location – or a combination of these criteria.
