Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 June 2013
143. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will include social clauses for the long-term unemployed in any projects under the aegis of his Department announced as part of the extra €150 million in capital expenditure for 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28258/13]
View answerLast week I announced a new €50 million three-year energy efficiency investment programme for local authority homes. This is a key part of the Government’s additional €150 million capital investment in the economy over 2013-2014.
This programme will target the 25,000 least energy efficient local authority homes. This will result in warmer homes and lower energy bills for thousands of families and will also create around 1,000 jobs in the sector. I intend to announce capital allocations to local authorities very shortly in order that contracts can be commenced as soon as possible. These works will be undertaken by small, locally-based contractors for the most part and will provide job opportunities for the long-term unemployed. I will be asking local authorities to ensure that the potential to employ local labour is exploited to the fullest extent possible, having regard to public procurement rules.
