Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2025
740. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail the way in which sustainability criteria included in framework tender documentation are evaluated in practice during mini-competitions; and the assurance that exists that such criteria are applied consistently and transparently across competitions. [55008/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with Government policy, my Department prioritises the use of central arrangements (including frameworks) where suitable. My Department avails of frameworks put in place by the OGP (Office of Government Procurement) and the EPS (Education Procurement Service).
When using such frameworks and where environmental and social considerations are in scope, tenderers are required to describe their approach to sustainability in the tender documents providing clear and comprehensive details that demonstrate an understanding of my Department’s requirements relating to the following:
• Environmental considerations linked to the subject matter;
• Social considerations linked to the subject matter.
These criteria are evaluated in accordance with the methodology set out in the tender document templates provided by the OGP and/or the EPS. Adherence to the methodology set out in the tender document templates ensures a consistent and transparent approach to evaluation of these criteria when in scope.
My Department currently does not have any of its own frameworks with a mini-competition award mechanism in place.
