HSE is the largest purchaser in the state spending in the region of €4.5 billion annually across a wide range of products and services to facilitate the provision of a Health Service to a population of 4 million people. Procurement in HSE should be interpreted to include all of the activities involved between the identification of a requirement for goods and services - right through to their acquisition and in some instances their eventual disposal.

Core Principals as outlined in HSE Procurement Policy:

• Achieving efficiency, effectiveness and best value for money in terms of overall life cycle
• Patient and Customer Focus
• Dealing with quality suppliers, contractors and service providers
• Operating in a fair, open, transparent and non-discriminatory manner in the marketplace
• Properly managing risk
• Complying with all relevant European and National Legislation and Government Guidelines
• Operating to the highest ethical standard