asked the Minister for Local Government the broad provisions and the implications for Ireland of the EEC Commission proposal C. 7, 28.1.1972 in regard to the publication of notices of contract and concessions of public works in the official gazette of the European Communities; the present status of the proposal; and the action taken by the Government in relation to it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Works Notices.
177.
The publication was of a draft model of the advertisement notices of public works contracts to be published in the Official Journal of the European Community to comply with EEC Directive 71/305. The format of the model has since been finalised by the EEC. The directive became operative in the present member states of the European Community on the 26th July, 1972. It requires that public works contracts in excess of one million units of account (at present equivalent to one million US dollars) must be advertised throughout the European Community in the Official Journal.
Contracts must be awarded in accordance with criteria laid down in directive 71/305. These criteria aim generally at ensuring that member states do not discriminate against non-national firms in the award of contracts. Directive 71/305 is binding on all member countries of the Community. We have obtained a six-month concession period from the date of accession on the 1st January next, before the directive becomes operative here, to enable the necessary administrative and procedural adjustments to be made to comply with it.
My Department, with other Departments who are concerned with public works contracts, have been studying the implications of the directive and senior officers of my Department have had preliminary discussions with the Commission regarding its application here. I will shortly be advising the appropriate authorities who come under my control and whose contracts are likely to be affected by the directive of its implications.
Could the Minister give me any examples of the type of contract which might be affected here, the type of contract which he sanctions?
Any public works contract which is advertised by my Department, or authorities working under my Department, which would be in excess of the amount mentioned, that is one million US dollars.
Has the Minister got any examples?
Before the time of the House expires——
The Deputy may not interrupt the business of the House.
Could I have some time after 5 o'clock to raise this matter——
The Deputy has been informed already by the Ceann Comhairle——
I have not been officially informed. I want to ask the Minister to tell the House the health and condition of Seán Mac Stiofáin.
The Deputy may not interrupt the business of the House. He has been informed by the Ceann Comhairle the reason why his Private Notice Question has been disallowed.
I have not been officially notified.
The reason was given in full to the Deputy and the decision of the Chair cannot be discussed. The Deputy may not proceed.
Cheap publicity.
It is not a stunt. Do Deputies not realise the condition of a man on hunger and thirst strike? If it goes beyond five days——
The remaining Questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.