The 25 proposed actions, set out in the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland (CIFNI) Procurement Task Group Report, prepared in partnership with the construction industry in Northern Ireland, were unveiled by the Minister during a visit to the site of the new Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) building in the Titanic Quarter, Belfast.
The 25 recommendations flow from the decision by the former Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds, to ask CIFNI to examine how Government could improve its procurement practices, particularly during the current economic downturn.
Speaking during the visit, the Minister said: "These recommendations will bring a number of tangible benefits to the construction industry as they will contribute to the delivery of record levels of Government infrastructure investment. This year, for example, the Executive plans to deliver £1.7billion of gross capital investment alone.
"I welcome the report's focus on how the visibility of Government construction procurement opportunities will be enhanced to facilitate workload planning by all sectors of the industry; how opportunities for enterprises of all sizes to benefit from public sector contracts will be maximised; and how the cost and timescale of the pre-qualification process will be reduced, as will the bidding costs of all parties.
"I am particularly pleased that these recommendations have been agreed through partnership between Government and the industry and I can also announce that work in implementing the report's 25 actions has already commenced - the outcome of which will benefit both the industry and Government."
The CIFNI Working Groups that will take forward the actions set out in the report are currently addressing a range of issues which will benefit small and medium sized enterprises, by increasing the opportunities to bid for Government contracts.
In welcoming the report's emphasis on SMEs, Mr Wilson said: "Government recognises the importance of SMEs to the local economy and encourages them to bid for Government contracts in their own right as single entities, as members of consortia, or to look for opportunities within the supply chains of successful tenderers."
Also in attendance was Culture, Arts and Sports Minister, Nelson McCausland, who was on his first visit to the new PRONI site. Commenting on the progress of construction, the design and quality of the building, Minister McCausland added: "This is an exciting and significant project which shows the Government's commitment to acknowledging the importance and inherent value to society of the unique cultural assets that PRONI holds. The new record office, which will provide greatly enhanced facilities and services for the public, emphasises my Department's commitment to investing in front line services. We would hope that the building will be part of the built heritage we leave for future generations, one that they will be proud of and wish to cherish."
The Ministers were also joined at the launch by Colin McCarthy, who led the construction industry representation during the development of the report.
Mr McCarthy said: "All sectors in the construction industry, contractors, professionals and suppliers, firms and individuals, have been affected by the economic downturn. The Construction Industry Group acknowledges the commitment and positive approach of the Government construction clients represented at the Task Group.
"Producing a report is one thing - but delivering its recommendations will be the real test. The Construction Industry Group, for its part, is fully committed to working with the Central Procurement Directorate of DFP and others to ensure its full and effective implementation."
Notes to Editors:
- The Construction Industry Group for Northern Ireland (CIGNI) was established in November 1998. It is made up of five colleges namely, Professional Bodies, Contractors, Specialist Sub-Contractors, Suppliers and Clients. Its purpose is to ensure that the industry operates efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of modern society and it aims to achieve this by promoting excellence in all aspects of the work of the industry. Further details of CIGNI can be obtained from the CIGNI Honorary Secretary: Tel 028 9023 2841.
- To download the report, please visit www.cpdni.gov.uk.
- The site of the new Public Record Office is in a prominent position close to the Odyssey Arena and adjacent to the Gateway building at the entrance to the Titanic Quarter. It is scheduled to open to the public in early 2011 at a cost of approximately £30million.
- PRONI was established under the Public Records Act (NI) 1923 for the reception and preservation of public records. The 1923 Act also made provision for the deposit of private records in PRONI.
- As the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Mr McCausland holds the title of The Keeper of the Records for Northern Ireland and has responsibility for the Government's policy on standards in architectural design, construction and performance: 'Architecture and the Built Environment for Northern Ireland'.
- Further Media enquiries to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
