Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that response. When this framework came into being, I looked into it and discussed it with the Minister of State's officials. I have always said that what we must ensure is that there is robust oversight to ensure nobody is trying to game the system. I understand completely that there is an increase, and all of that, but of course we must ensure that what I referred to does not happen. When it comes to public works contracts, issues such as bid-rigging, low-ball offers, etc., have been flagged for a long time, as acknowledged by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Only last year, Reuters reported that the Spanish competition authority had fined six of that country's major construction companies for engaging in price collusion over 25 years. I understand that five of these companies have been heavily involved in major public works contracts here. It is not, therefore, that I am saying something fanciful or anything like that. Concern does arise that those who engage in such practices would try to make hay from this situation. For those authorities that do not have the capability to ensure none of this kind of thing can happen, what sort of oversight is coming from the Minister of State's Department to ensure it does not occur? What assistance is available to ensure this does not happen?

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