Forbairt and An Bord Trachtala have embarked on a joint programme to help small and medium sized companies increase their access to the estimated £3.5 billion domestic public procurement market.

Under a three year EU supported programme, a task force, comprising five specialists in the fields of purchasing, marketing, consultancy and general management has been appointed. The team will work with the purchasing officers in five public sector categories - health, education, local authorities, State-sponsored bodies and central government.

Announcing the joint programme, Ms Harney, the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said it is "about driving up the share for Irish companies in this huge market". But she warned "without gearing up on information and capability, many Irish companies will be unable to compete in Europe, and indeed their market share within Ireland could fall".

As part of the initiative, An Bord Trachtala has published a directory, detailing the purchasing requirements of over 200 Irish public sector buyers.