Departmental Contracts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2011

Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Questions (123)

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

123 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the policy of the Office of Public Works in respect of ensuring that all contractors awarded projects under its remit have discharged all obligations to employees and former employees when a decision of an industrial relations forum, that is, the EAT, LRC, Labour Court, awards compensation under statutory employment law, or when it is brought to its attention of a failure to do so, the OPW’s procedures for ensuring those awards are discharged in full. [40041/11]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

In engaging contractors, the Office of Public Works (OPW) complies with the procedures and requirements of the Department of Finance Capital Works Management Framework, the system within which all public sector bodies operate.

Following the award of a contract, OPW is required to ensure that the Conditions of Contract are fully observed. The provisions of Par 5.3.3 of the standard Capital Works Management Framework contract documentation are of particular reference to the issue raised by the Deputy. The discharge of any invoices presented would be contingent on the Contractors' ongoing compliance with these requirements.

Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 121