Vol. 462 No. 3
14 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to introduce local labour clauses to apply to companies undertaking construction projects in unemployment blackspot areas, these clauses to apply to the initial construction phase as well as subsequent employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4514/96]
I presume the Deputy is referring to public sector construction contracts.
While the conditions attaching to public contracts are primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Finance, I understand that imposing a requirement of the type suggested by the Deputy on a general basis would give rise to difficulties. These would relate firstly to increasing costs and, secondly, to our obligations, particularly in relation to EU-funded projects, to award contracts in accordance with the EU provisions.
Taking due account of the above factors, it is open to contracting authorities, in appropriate individual cases, to consider arrangements to encourage the recruitment of local labour.
