Public Procurement

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 March 2012

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Ceisteanna (254)

Arthur Spring

Ceist:

258 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the current system of pre-qualifying for the framework agreement for roadmarking for public works contracts, where the process of self declaration is widely used as self-declaration only requires the main contractor to sign a confirmation of their compliance with the registered employment agreement and not the submittal of the rates of pay and conditions of employment certificate or other compliance certificate in view of the fact that currently there is no requirement for the main contractor or his sub-contractors to provide evidence of compliance with current employment legislation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13188/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and maintenance of individual national primary and secondary roads are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Similarly, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a statutory function of each road authority within its area, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.

I would also like to point out that works such as those mentioned by the Deputy are tendered out by the NRA and Local Authorities according to the criteria promulgated by my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Details of the requirements are available on the e-Tenders website at www.etenders.gov.ie.