Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1045. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 6 March 2024, the reasons for awarding a contract given a separating score of 1.1% between two bidders; if he will provide a full objective assessment of the comparative strengths and weaknesses of all tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12899/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a complaint that was lodged with the EU Commission in March 2018, it was agreed between my Department and the Commission that a public procurement process would take place in 2022 in respect of certain services including the provision of Marketing Services for the Sport Horse Sector.
Procurement processes for the provision of Marketing Services for the Sport Horse Sector were carried out by my Department in accordance with National and EU Procurement Guidelines.
The Request for Tenders for the provision of Marketing Services for the Sport Horse Sector specified a number of criteria against which tenders meeting the eligibility criteria were assessed.
This assessment was carried out in accordance with Public Procurement Guidelines by an independent assessment panel.
Each eligible tender was required to meet a minimum (pass) mark and following assessment the highest overall scoring tender was deemed successful, in accordance with the Guidelines. Accordingly, the contract was awarded to the highest scoring tenderer, submitted by the Irish Horse Board, in line with Public Procurement Guidelines.
