COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

MOTION NO. 6

MOTION: Councillor P. Cosgrave

"That the Manager supports the promotion of Rathfarnham as the first Fairtrade town status in the County and that South Dublin Council allocates Fairtrade Town responsibilities to a member of staff or committee possibly its environmental or Agenda 21 officer, working in partnership with the Rathfarnham Fairtrade steering group and that the Council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings, in its offices and  canteens."

REPORT:

The Council would support the promotion of Fairtrade town status within the County, however, it is felt that the discussion with regard to the adoption of such a policy be referred to the Planning and Economic Development SPC for consideration.  

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.