COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 08, 2010

MOTION NO. 2

MOTION: Councillor D. Looney

That this Council, in light of the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people, recognises (1) that Veolia is a leading partner in the consortium contracted to build a light railway system linking Israel to illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, (2) that the Irish government and the U.N does not recognise Israel’s annexation and occupation of East Jerusalem and have repeatedly stated their views that the Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank contravene international law and (3) that Veolia’s involvement in the project is in contravention of the UN’s stated demand that Israeli settlement activities and occupation should not be supported, and calls on the County Manager not to sign any new or renew any existing contracts with Veolia.

REPORT:

All public procurement is covered under EU and national policy, the main aim of which is to achieve value for money having regard to probity and accountability.

There are specific steps to be followed in conducting an appropriate competitive process under EU and national rules, as well as selected provisions from the Treaty of Rome.  Stringent  Remedies Directives and infringement proceedings must be considerd at all times and all awarding authorities must award contracts on the basis of criteria prescribed by European Communities (Award of Public Authorities' Contracts) Regulations 2006. These directives prescribe that the processes in procuring goods and services must be transparent, non - discriminatory, equal and proportionate in all aspects of the life of the procurement.

Accordingly it is not possible under existing statutory procurement regulation to accede to the request as outlined in the motion and recommends that the motion not be passed.