The Irish government has published a ten point guide to helping authorities understand public contracts.

Launched by the Department of Enterprise, the document has been dubbed a step-by-step aid to dealing with procurement matters.

Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan said the guide was aimed at officials engaged in procurement activity across the public sector.

She explained the purpose of this initiative is threefold.

"Firstly, the policies and recommendations of the Procurement Innovation Group are designed to stimulate innovative business activity in Ireland, while improving the purchase, delivery and efficiency of public sector goods and services," said the Minister.

-- Advertisement --

"Secondly, the initiative seeks to ensure a level playing field for all innovative companies wishing to participate in public tendering. Thirdly, the initiative aims to result in greater access for SME companies to public sector contracts."

Junior Finance Minister Martin Mansergh, whose Department is charged with oversight of the public procurement process, said: "By fully embracing leading-edge procurement practices the Government can provide an important stimulus for investment in innovation by the wider business community."

Frank Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland, said: "Purchasers who engage with the marketplace as early as possible before tendering become more knowledgeable customers. This is key to improving public procurement practices."

Simultaneously, Enterprise Ireland and various County Enterprise Boards are building capability in their client base, offering programmes and expertise to improve the quality of supplier submissions through initiatives such as one to one mentoring, group coaching and consortium building.

(PR/BMcC)