Does she have confidence that the Ministry of Education has been transparent in their procurement activities in awarding a contract to Learning First without undertaking a competitive tendering process and if so, why?

Answer

I am advised by the Secretary of Education that the Ministry followed relevant Government Procurement Rules. All decisions made went through the appropriate internal processes and approvals, and I am advised by my officials that this happens regularly. The Ministry has advised that using the exemption process is not unusual and has been used as necessary under all administrations.