I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together.
My Department pays subscriptions for professional membership fees for staff as required for them to undertake their official duties. The Department currently pays professional membership fees for two staff for the bodies specifies in Table A.
In addition, the Department holds corporate membership with the Institute of Public Administration.
Table A
Organisation
|
Staff Membership
|
Chartered Accountants Ireland
|
1
|
Institute of Internal Auditors
|
1
|
The procurement of goods and services within the Department takes place in the context of the Office of Government Procurement framework arrangements. All procurement must be authorised by the relevant budget holder, which in practical terms means that authorisation can take place at HEO level and above. Employees have authorised approval limits and all procurement expenditure must be certified and authorised by different individuals holding the appropriate authorisations.