asked the Minister for Local Government if Irish contractors have equal rights and opportunities to tender for public works contracts with the members of the original six EEC countries in such matters as roads, tunnels, harbours, bridges, site preparation and housing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Works Contracts.
57.
In so far as such contracts come within the terms of EEC directives 71/304 and 71/305, the answer is "yes". As I explained in reply to Question No. 57 of 19th July, 1973, these directives, which are now in force throughout the Community, require that public works contracts which are estimated to be in excess of one million "units of account" in value, must be open to competition throughout the Community. One million "units of account" are equivalent to about £416,000. Directive 71/304 requires the abolition by each member state of any restrictive or discriminatory practices which might prevent contractors from member states from participating in public works contracts on equal terms. Directive 71/305 provides for co-ordinated procedures and criteria in the selection of tenders and the award of major contracts. A consequential directive—72/277—prescribes the format of the notice to be given in the official journal of the Community.
I should like to thank the Minister for his reply. It is very helpful and encouraging, but I have information that at least one Irish contractor was prohibited from tendering in this way among the Six; the Six seem to have a closed shop in this regard.
That is not so.
I am glad to hear that.