SMEs Cannot Continue to be Ignored by Public Procurement Process

Chambers Ireland today (22/04/15) called on Government to swiftly implement the EU Procurement Directives. The call comes as a new Bill to support Irish SMEs in the public procurement process was published. 

Speaking today, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland said, “Increasing the involvement of SMEs in the public procurement process is an area we have campaigned on for some time now, but unfortunately our members tell us that little has changed. Contracting authorities must take into account the long term benefit to the economy in terms of employment and encouraging innovation when selecting tenders and not base their decision solely on lowest price.”

“There is a continued sense of frustration amongst the SME community that these issues continue to be raised only to be ignored. We welcome today’s debate in the Seanad which will bring these issues to the fore at Government level and hopefully lead to further flexibility in public procurement,” he concluded.

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For further information contact Amy Woods, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4319, 086 6081605 or email amy.woods@www.chambers.ie