Small firms challenge changes to public works

A challenge brought by several small businesses to proposed changes to the conditions of public works contract applications has opened before the High Court.

The action, which is seen as an important test case, has been brought by 10 small or “micro” businesses, who for many years have been supplying State bodies, including schools, local authorities the HSE and the Garda Síochána with printers and associated devices such as ink cartridges.

Their case has been brought against the Commissioners of Public Works, which operates the National Procurement Service.