Public Procurement Contracts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2018

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

Ceisteanna (70)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

70. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to the tender seeking the supply of facial image matching software to improve the performance of the Standard Authentication Framework Environment, SAFE, registration process; if changes are planned to the way in which facial matching technology is employed based on the tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26570/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

The use of facial matching technology has been successfully employed by my Department for a number of years. What is proposed, in the context of this competitive tender process, is a continuation and upgrade of this existing technology.

In accordance with Government policy, the Department is running an open procurement for the provision of the services as described in the request for tender (RFT). Public procurement is governed by well-established EU and national rules and guidelines. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. The closing date for the submission of the final item relating to the tender is Thursday 14th June. All tenders received in response to this procurement competition will then be evaluated on the basis of criteria outlined in the RFT.

I hope this clarifies the matters for the Deputy.