Jobs Committee to discuss eligibility of small firms in tendering for capital projects

Chairman of the Committee Deputy Damien English said: “Studies in the past have shown that small firms find the tendering process time-consuming, complex, difficult to understand and engage with. Unlike large firms, small companies usually don’t have a dedicated person or unit to deal with tenders and therefore often fail to address the necessary compliance information that is necessary to take part in the tendering process.

“We understand that necessary checks and balances must be put in place to ensure the State gets value for money for the projects it tenders out. However, it is also important that the tendering process is accessible to all firms, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. SMEs are an important contributor to growth and employment in Ireland and participating in, and winning, public tenders can help them sustain current business and employment levels and also expand and hire more workers. Success at winning tenders in Ireland can also prepare SMEs for participating in the EU public-sector market which has the potential to open up export markets.

“Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to discuss the eligibility of small firms in tendering capital projects, tease out the reasons why small firms may not engage in the process or fail to address the minimum and mandatory requirements and consider what initiatives might be put in place to encourage more small firms to bid for public contracts.”

This meeting will take place on Tuesday, 11th December 2012, in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000 at 1.30pm.

Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o

For further information please contact:

Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551

Committee Membership

Deputies: Dara Calleary, Áine Collins, Michael Conaghan, Damien English (Chair), John Halligan, Seán Kyne, Anthony Lawlor, John Lyons (Vice-Chair) and Peadar Tóibín.

Senators: Deirdre Clune, David Cullinane, John Kelly, Michael Mullins, Feargal Quinn and Mary White