AQO 394/22-27

Miss Deirdre Hargey
Sinn Féin
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 25/04/2024
Answered On Date: 07/05/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance to outline the impact of social value in the public procurement process.

Answer:

Social value in public contracts can make a real difference to the lives of some of the most disadvantaged people in society.

Embedding social value in public procurement provides a significant opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the economic, environmental and social outcomes here. To date positive outcomes have included:

•3,500+ people who were long-term unemployed or disadvantaged in the labour market have gained employment

•75+ social enterprises are now part of government supply chains

•2,700+ hours of volunteering with the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises sector

•6,500+ hours of skills development activities

•2,800+ weeks of work experience

•Over 3,500 hours of environmental awareness initiatives

•2400+ hours of health and well-being initiatives