Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2013
85. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is considering the use of social clauses in the contracts for the school building programme; and in particular, if he will consider including a quota to employ jobseekers who are long-term unemployed. [4696/13]
View answerMy Department supports any measures which will have a beneficial effect on employment generally and in particular employment in a local area. As with all Government Departments and state agencies, my Department and bodies under its aegis use the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's Public Works Contracts and associated guidance. It is therefore considered that the implementation of any local labour clause should be considered by the Government Construction Contracts Committee (GCCC) and if appropriate suitable guidance (validated by expert legal opinion) should be developed and issued to all public bodies. Officials from my Department will be raising this issue with the GCCC shortly.
