Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
336. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if there are any requirements or standards for Departments and agencies to use contract management systems to manage public procurement projects post-award. [33689/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach Accounting Officer is responsible for the monitoring of performance of public contracts under his or her remit and for ensuring that the public procurement function is efficiently and effectively discharged in line with standard accounting and procurement rules and procedures to deliver maximum value for money for the taxpayer.
My department has responsibility for public procurement policy and sets the overarching policy framework for public procurement in Ireland. This enables a more consistent approach to public procurement across the public sector. My department has published the Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the public procurement regulations. The guidelines are designed to improve consistency and promote best practice in the application of the public procurement rules to deliver best value for money. These guidelines specifically address the importance of active management by contracting authorities of contracts to maximise value for money and describes actions that should be taken in managing contracts.
My department is also responsible for management of the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF). The CWMF is an integrated set of contractual provisions, guidance material and technical procedures which covers all aspects of the delivery process of a public works project from inception to final project delivery and review. The structure of this strategic framework is closely aligned with and complements the Infrastructure Guidelines developed by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
The comprehensive and detailed guidance notes are intended for the guidance of Sponsoring Agencies embarking on capital works projects. The roles of the Sanctioning Authorities and any external consultants appointed in relation to capital works projects are also considered.
Furthermore, the Commercial Skills Academy provide a range of training solutions on aspects of the CWMF to public servants.
The CWMF is for use by contracting authorities involved in the expenditure of public funds on construction projects and related consultancy services. The use of the framework should result in a more cost-effective delivery of public works projects because of its systematic and detailed approach to, among other things, planning (both preparatory and detailed), capital budgeting as well as design and construction cost control.
