Press Release: Public procurement: infringement proceedings against Ireland concerning award procedure for interpretation services by Department of Justice

The European Commission formally requested the Irish government to submit its observations on the compatibility with Community law of the procedure for awarding a contract for the provision of interpretation services by the Department of Justice. This formal request took the form of a 'reasoned opinion', the second stage of the infringement procedure laid down in Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.