COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 12, 2008

MOTION NO. 1

MOTION: Councillor C. Keane

That this Council discusses 'Fair Trade' goods, with the aid of a follow up report on my proposal when Chair of Environment SPC to have this Council purchase Fair Trade goods where possible for 'canteen' / offices etc. and to state what progress has been made.

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council is particularly conscious of the need to develop and maintain best practice procurement in all areas of purchasing in accordance with codes published by the Department of Finance and issued through the National Public Procurement Policy Unit. Public procurement is defined as the acquisition, whether under formal contract or not, of works, supplies, and services by public bodies.

Best practice includes the need to recognise the legal status of every procurement decision, whether the procurement relates to priority or non priority goods and services, and also to ensure that all procurement functions are discharged honestly and fairly, upholding the highest standards of probity and integrity.  Similarly, EU Directives require that Treaty principles such as non - discrimination, freedom of movement, freedom to provide goods and services etc. must be observed.

This council is proud of its reputation in terms of its Corporate Social Responsibility and takes into account the social, ethical, and environmental effects of its activities on its staff, its local community and the community at large. 

An inter-departmental group is currently involved in drafting a formal Corporate Procurement Plan, under guidelines issued by the Department of Finance, which is now well advanced. In addition to matters such as value for money, probity and integrity it will deal with social and environmental issues such as ‘Fair Trade’ principles as put forward in the motion. It is proposed to present a report on the Corporate Procurement Plan, when drafted, for discussion and input of the members.