From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
Today 80 Irish manufacturers will showcase their products and services to buyers from across the public sector.
The online ‘connect’ event is organised by Enterprise Ireland and the Office of Government Procurement.
42 government departments and public agencies will gain a valuable insight into the innovation and accessibility of Irish manufactured PPE and other services vital in the campaign against COVID-19. The event will see businesses holding 10 minute ‘speed dating’ meetings with public sector buyers.
According to Robert Troy TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation:
"Connecting Irish manufacturers with public sector buyers is important. Since the beginning of the pandemic Irish companies have played a leading role in developing products and services that combat COVID-19 in a variety of settings. Recently the OECD ranked Ireland as fifth in the world for COVID-19 exports. It’s vital that our public sector is also kept up-to-date with developments in this vital area across many industry sectors and can factor that into their future purchasing plans."
Ossian Smyth TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with Special Responsibility for Public Procurement and eGovernment said:
"Across the public sector tremendous work is ongoing to ensure that we use every tool available to reduce the risk from COVID-19. Most importantly, this means ensuring that staff and service users who can’t work or avail of services remotely are protected and feel safe and secure during their interactions. Procuring high-quality, value for money PPE and other products and services is vital. Irish business has established a remarkable track record in this regard in a short time and I am delighted that the Office of Government Procurement and Enterprise Ireland are facilitating this connection between Irish suppliers and the public sector to ensure that buyers are aware of the quality and other benefits that Irish companies can offer in our national fight against COVID-19."
Enterprise Ireland’s Tom Kelly said:
"This is an important event. It focuses on building awareness of the range of products and services available from Irish business. From the outset of the pandemic dozens of Irish companies have pivoted and ensured a robust supply chain for essential PPE and other products such as testing kits, sanitisers, face masks and gowns. Sourcing material from an Irish supplier ensures a simple supply chain and quality assurance – factors that are important to the public sector. I know this showcase event will benefit both the public sector and business and ensure that buyers are aware of the products available and the great businesses behind them."
ENDS