The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, recently issued a directive to all post-primary schools and local authorities requiring them to buy from one supplier. This requirement is causing considerable hardship to small businesses and will result in the loss of eight jobs in Galway alone.

To which legislation is the Deputy referring?

I am referring to the consumer and competition Bill.

Is the Deputy referring to schools?

Yes, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform issued a directive to all post-primary schools requiring them to purchase all stationery supplies from one supplier by April 2013. This directive will cost many jobs and will achieve minimal savings.

A pilot scheme is being done in regard to savings in schools, whereby if they procure their requirements from-----

Little savings will be made.

It was not the case that schools were being mandated to buy from a particular supplier. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, has done substantial work on the concept of public procurement which offers the potential to make significant savings. The Bill in question is being progressed.

It is anti-competitive.

Eight jobs are being lost in Galway.