To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 42202/11-15, to detail any specific training which is provided by the Central Procurement Directorate, for community and voluntary organisations, which offers financial advice and guidance on developing business plans and contract tendering.

CPD does not directly provide any training to suppliers. It does however, publish procurement guidance notes on its website that aim, amongst other things, to help third sector organisations develop their capability to compete successfully for public sector contracts.

CPD works closely with InterTradeIreland, and other partner organisations such as Invest NI, to ensure that resources and training are available that would potentially help community and voluntary sector suppliers compete for public sector contracts. More information on this is available on the websites of the respective organisations. CPD regularly provides speakers for tendering workshops provided by local councils and business network organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses.