asked the Minister for Local Government the full implications of the EEC legislation Vol. 16 No. L.126-144 of 12th-31st May, 1973, with regard to public works contracts; and if Irish contractors may soon be in operation in Europe constructing roads, tunnels, harbours, bridges and housing; and, if not, why; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Works Contracts.
57.
I assume the Deputy is referring to notices of proposed public works contracts which have appeared in the Official Journal of the European Communities. As I explained in reply to Question No. 25 of 5th June, 1973, EEC Directives 71/304 and 71/305 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 at present 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 all member State from participating in public works contracts on equal terms. It came into force here on the 1st January, 1973. Directive 71/305 which provides for co-ordinated procedures and criteria in the selection of tenders and the award of contracts came into force here on 1st July, 1973. A consequential Directive, 72/277, which prescribes the format of the notice to be given in the Official Journal also came into force here on 1st July, 1973.
It is a matter for the Irish construction industry to avail of the opportunities now open to it in the other countries of the Community. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot forecast how soon or to what extent they will succeed in doing so.