Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
398. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement that he has had with the Office of Public Procurement with regard to the supply of organic milk to public institutions such as hospitals, long-stay homes and prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25485/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI established the Organic Strategy Forum earlier this year and ensured that the group included a representative from the Office of Public Procurement. This group is an important forum where important issues such are Organic Public Procurement will be discussed.
I recognise the value of increasing the supply of Organic produce under Green Public Procurement guidelines and this is an area that will be examined further with a view to increasing the percentage availability of Organic produce in Government Departments and the wider public service.
The Department is currently preparing the tender process for the provision of catering services across four Department locations and it has been stipulated that the award of any tender is subject to the inclusion of a percentage of Organic produce available at point of sale.
This I believe will demonstrate to purchasing officers that organic food is an viable affordable option that can be included in catering contracts across the public service.
