Taoiseach and Procurement Minister meet with SMEs that have won state contracts

Small and Medium

Published on Tuesday 3rd April 2012

Taoiseach and Procurement Minister meet with SMEs that have won state contracts

Picture shows Taoiseach Enda Kenny ;Procurement Minister, Brian Hayes with representatives of the SMEs that have won substantial state contracts after a the meeting in Government Buildings.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Procurement Minister, Brian Hayes this afternoon met with 12 Irish SMEs that have won substantial state contracts.

Minister Hayes said:

Too often the perception is that SMEs don’t win public sector procurement contracts. The businesses that met with An Taoiseach today demonstrate that small and medium sized companies regularly win... The Government recognises that winning public sector contracts contributes towards business expansion and job creation. If SMEs can get a share of the estimated €14bn Government spend on goods and services then this will inevitably filter down to both the securing and creating of real jobs.’

The Minister continued:

Access to public sector contracts is key. The website www.etenders.gov.ie, managed by the National Procurement Service, is a very important platform. Suppliers wishing to do business with the State can see, and compete for, all contracts over the value of €25,000. It is essential that all SMEs are signed up to and actively engaged with this portal.

Minister Brian Hayes spoke to MerrionStreet.ie earlier this afternoon: