Consultation launched on public procurement proposals

An independent report into government purchasing in Northern Ireland, which totals £1.2 billion each year, has been issued for public consultation.

Launching the consultation exercise into the findings of the report, Mark Durkan, Minister of Finance and Personnel, said: "This review of purchasing across Northern Ireland Departments offers us a unique opportunity to make considerable improvements to all aspects of public procurement."

The review takes forward the commitment in the Executive’s Programme for Government to develop proposals for implementing improvements in public procurement in terms of value for money, and to take account of wider policy goals. Its main aim is to help the Executive achieve its goals through using its resources more efficiently.

Northern Ireland Departments and associated bodies spend some £1.2 billion on procurement activities every year.

Public procurement covers the acquisition of goods, services, works and other supplies from persons outside the public service. It includes both conventionally funded and more innovative types of funding, such as Public Private Partnerships and the use of the private sector to deliver services previously provided by the public sector.

"Securing best value is at the heart of the review and even modest savings could help the Executive to get the most out of its budget, but the proposals also allow for the development through pilot projects of ideas to support the Executive’s wider economic, social and environmental goals," Mr Durkan explained.

The report contains over 70 recommendations for improving public purchasing policy and practice and on the scope for integrating economic and social policies into the procurement process.

"When awarding government contracts we endeavour to do so on behalf of the entire community we serve. It is only right that, within the constraints of European procurement legislation, we should look for ways of ensuring that public money is spent judiciously and where possible in ways that contribute to our wider public goals, such as reducing unemployment," added Mr Durkan.

"The consultation process we are launching today will last until 30 November and all comments are welcome and indeed encouraged.”(CL)