Written answer
Defence Forces
258. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if her Department runs a tendering process for the supply of fuel to the Defence Forces; the way in which and when a supplier might potentially submit a tender to her Department; if she will provide a list of all current fuel suppliers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62281/26]
Comment on this
It is Government policy that public bodies, where possible, should make use of centralised procurement arrangements, as set out in Circular 16/2013 Revision of Arrangements Concerning the Use of Central Contracts. This approach was re-iterated under Circular 09/2024 – Reporting on the Use of Centralised Procurement Arrangements, published in June 2024.
The Office for Government Procurement (OGP) and its sector sourcing partners (known as Central Purchasing Bodies) in Education, Health, Defence and Local Government have established a range of centralised procurement arrangements (Framework Agreements and Dynamic Purchasing Systems) for use by public bodies. These centralised procurement arrangements facilitate efficient and better procurement practice, optimise value-for-money, and support public bodies in meeting their obligations to consider more strategic outcomes including green, social and SME-friendly considerations.
The Defence Forces requirement for fuel for road vehicles is currently met through a direct drawdown from one such framework operated by the Office of Government Procurement. Accordingly, the tender competition for the supply of road fuel is managed by the OGP rather than by the Defence Forces.
I have been informed that current road fuel suppliers under the OGP’s Bulk Liquid Fuels Framework are Circle K Ireland Energy Limited. The Framework has been in place since August 1, 2025, and is valid to July 31, 2029.
Suppliers access Office of Government Procurement frameworks in Ireland by competing in public tendering competitions. Commercial entities must win a formal bidding process to secure a place on a framework agreement. Further details are available to suppliers directly from the OGP.