COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 13, 2008

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor T. McDermott

That this Council request the Environment Strategic Policy Committee to review, and revise where necessary, the SDCC Procurement Policies to ensure that they minimise the Council's impact on the Environment in a manner that is consistent with legislation and that a draft revised policy be presented to the Council in 2008.

REPORT:

Public procurement is defined as the acquisition, whether under formal contract or not, of works, supplies, and services by public bodies.

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. In this regard EU Directives covering public procurement as advised by the Department of Finance must be observed at all times.

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 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.

The council is also well advanced in the drafting of its Sustainable Energy Strategy which includes focus on Green Procurement: where public purchasers take account of environmental factors when buying products, services or works at all stages of the project and within the entire life-cycle of procured goods.