Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
50. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has reviewed the effectiveness of the public procurement process for the delivery of housing projects in terms of duration and best economic value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22674/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial housing construction projects, as with all publicly funded construction projects, must be competitively tendered, in accordance with the public procurement guidelines, to ensure transparency as well as value for money for the taxpayer. The Office of Government Procurement under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is responsible for implementing national policy on public procurement.
The Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) is a structure that has been developed to deliver Government objectives in relation to public sector construction procurement reform and consists of a suite of best practice guidance, standard contracts and generic template documents. The CWMF is for use by contracting authorities involved in the expenditure of public funds on construction projects and related consultancy services.
With regard my Department’s approval processes, all social housing projects must be submitted by local authorities to my Department for assessment and approval. This is to ensure that projects are carefully evaluated to ensure consistency with policy, deliver the required quality and provide value for money for the tax-payer, in line with the CWMF.
