Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2014
260. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the work of the departmental body established to investigate the work practices of contractors who are building schools and other departmental projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39118/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not established a Departmental body to investigate the work practices of contractors who are building schools and other Departmental projects. I assume the Deputy is referring to my Departments appointment of Contractors Administration Services (CAS) in April 2013 following a tender competition to conduct random audits on school building projects in order to verify compliance with the relevant Pay and Conditions clauses in the Public Works Contracts.
To date CAS has completed 16 audits on school/college construction sites with 1 audit on-going. As a result of these audits, information in relation to 5 projects have been referred to the Revenue Commissioners, 1 to the Department of Social and Family Affairs and 1 to National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). The remaining audits required no further action.CAS are continuing to conduct audits on school and college building projects and should irregularities be uncovered in terms of non-compliance with employment law, enforcement and prosecution falls under the remit of NERA. If an audit uncovers any other matters of concern regarding tax compliance or social welfare fraud, such matters will be referred to either the Revenue Commissioners and/or the Department of Social Protection as appropriate.
