The Department is engaged in an ambitious reform programme of the procurement function across the public service, and today the Minister announced the establishment of Social Clauses Project Group. Social Clauses can be used in public procurement in cases where they are targeted at issues such as employment opportunities and social inclusion. In order to be compatible with EU law, Social Clauses must be made known to all interested parties and must not restrict participation by contractors from other Member States.
On Wednesday, Minister Howlin is scheduled to take the Report Stage of the Protected Disclosures Bill 2013.
The Department and OPW also have a number of written PQs tabled on a range of issues such as: legislation, details of construction related capital expenditure, Haddington Road Agreement and Budgets.
On Thursday, Minister Howlin will attend and speak at the Special Olympics Ireland 2014 Opening Ceremony, taking place at the People’s Park, Limerick. The Special Olympics Ireland Games take place in Limerick from the 12th to 15th June 2014.
On Friday, the Secretary General will attend the OECD Senior Budget Officials meeting in Berlin. The OECD Working Party of Senior Budget Officials (SBO) was established in 1980 and is composed of budget directors and other senior officials from OECD countries. The SBO meets annually to address key budgeting concerns and relevant policy options.

