Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
277. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the contracts that have been granted without having to go to public tender; the companies that were granted these contracts and nature of the work involved; the qualifying criteria that was applied to any company awarded such a contract in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60089/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe majority of contracts granted for DSP without having to go to public tender since 2020 (and including 2021 and 2022, year to date) were in response to the Covid-19 pandemic or lack of availability in the market, and are detailed as follows:
|
Name of Company |
Nature of Service |
Year |
Business Reason |
|
SAR Security Group |
Provision of security services |
2020 |
DSP's mini-competition was delayed due to staffing issues with providers as a result of the Covid pandemic. The single tender was awarded to the incumbent provider for a period of 4 months during the interim tender period. |
|
The Printed Image Ltd |
Supply of Covid-19 PPE equipment and supplies |
2020 |
DSP's contracted cleaning suppliers and PPE suppliers were not able to meet DSP's PPE orders at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, due to disruption of supply. We procured PPE, necessary to continue operations, via alternative suppliers. |
|
Metbell Ltd |
Supply of Covid-19 PPE equipment and supplies |
2020 |
As above |
|
J&C Hendrick Ltd |
Supply of Covid-19 PPE equipment and supplies |
2020 |
As above |
|
Codex Ltd |
Supply of Covid-19 PPE equipment and supplies |
2020 |
As above |
|
Energy Distribution |
Supply of Covid-19 PPE equipment and supplies |
2020 |
As above |
|
KOS Ergonomics |
Provision of In-person Ergonomic Assessments |
2022 |
DSP Health & Safety unit sought this service from the OGP contracted provider, Quadra. Quadra confirmed they were unable to supply this service until further notice due to their workload. DSP H&S sought and received quotes from 3 further suppliers, and selected KOS Ergonomics based on price, nationwide coverage and availability. |
|
Pelko, The Back Shop, KOS Ergonomics |
Advanced Ergonomic / Orthopaedic Chairs |
2022 |
Advanced Ergonomic/Orthopaedic Chairs are often specialist, customised items and DSP Health & Safety follow specific medical/ergonomic expert recommendations. Pelko are the OGP contracted chair supplier, and we purchase Advanced Ergonomic/Orthopaedic chairs from them as a default. Where a medical recommendation specifies a product (chair) from another supplier for a specialist solution, e.g. KOS Ergonomics, or Back Shop, we purchase from that supplier. |
- The qualifying criteria for the security contract was the ability to provide an integral service to the Department at the onset of Covid-19 with no gap in provision, allowing essential services to remain open during a changing environment of restrictions and requirements.
- The qualifying criteria for the PPE was the ability to immediately deliver an emergency product (PPE) for distribution across the Department to ensure essential services remained functioning during a time of high demand and low supply.
- The qualifying criteria for in-person ergonomic assessments was the ability to supply the service when the incumbent provider could not.
- The qualifying criteria for advanced ergonomic/orthopaedic chairs was the provision of specialised equipment required for users to function safely in their workspace.
