Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
391. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether for procurement spend, a purchase order can be raised within his Department's financial management systems without reference to a contract, framework agreement, procurement process or other authorising arrangement; if so, the circumstances in which this may occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45163/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra392. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether an invoice can be paid by his Department without an associated purchase order having first been raised; if so, the circumstances in which this may occur; the number and value of payments made during quarter one of 2026 which were not associated with a purchase order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45181/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 392 together.
The total value of payments made in quarter one of 2026 amounted to €240 million. Of this, €5 million was paid to third-party suppliers, while the remaining €235 million related to payroll, and other payments to bodies under the aegis of the Department.
The Department does not require a purchase order to be raised to allow for a payment to be made. Instead, the control mechanism in place is a payment authorisation form completed by two staff members: the recommending officer who prepares the form, and the authorising officer who approves it within established limits. This sign-off certifies that the payment has been properly sanctioned, is properly due for payment, that the goods or services have been supplied to our satisfaction and in accordance in the contract in place, where relevant.
Staff are regularly reminded of their obligation to ensure that all payments made are in accordance with public procurement requirements.
