Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2021
77. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to score tenders in the procurement process for expanding local employment services; if a tender will be chosen based on the lowest cost provider; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22418/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the July jobs stimulus, the Government committed to increase the capacity of all elements of the Public Employment Service. The Department has allocated additional Intreo resources to enhance its own capacity and is now moving to expand external capacity. My Department shortly intends to issue a Request for Tender (RFT) to expand local employment type services into four geographical areas where a Local Employment Service does not currently exist.
The forthcoming RFT will place due emphasis on the quality of services to be provided, while expanding the capacity of the Public Employment Service (PES). Tenders will be assessed based primarily on the quality of their respective proposals. The specific allocation of marks will be detailed in the Request for Tender award criteria when it is published.
Organisations with experience in the delivery of similar services at a community and local level will be in a strong position to respond to the RFTs when they issue.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
