Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
16. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he monitors external contracts within Government departments for value for money. [69852/25]
View answerPublic Procurement is governed by EU and national rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive, and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money.
The Government is committed to ensuring that value for money is a key consideration for external contracts. In July, my Department published new guidance (Circular 18/2025: Value for Money Obligations), which set out the value for money obligations on all civil and public servants. Building on the work undertaken to date, value for money will also constitute a key theme permeating the National Public Procurement Strategy.
Individual Accounting Officers in each Government Department are responsible for ensuring that their public procurement functions are conducted in line with procurement rules and procedures and that contract prices are fair and reasonable and represent best value for money.
The Office of Government Procurement has published the Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services. These Guidelines provide a comprehensive interpretation of the public procurement regulations designed to improve consistency and promote best practice in the application of the public procurement rules to deliver best value for money. In addition, the OGP's Key Account Managers are in regular contact with Procurement Officers in Government Departments and public bodies to assist and support them in fulfilling their obligations in relation to public procurement.
