Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. It is helpful, in that he states there is sufficient information available for local authorities. The problem in practical terms is that local authorities are using the lack of guidelines as an excuse not to engage. I have concrete examples, Galway County Council being one, as it states it does not have the guidelines and so cannot include the social clause.

The other big problem, which I mentioned in my initial remarks, is that 12 months ago the OGP told us it was preparing guidelines. Is this another example of this Government not being able to do or deliver anything because the OGP is still saying it is working on the guidelines? It does not take 12 months to produce guidelines for social clauses. The Minister of State's example shows that these clauses can have a significant impact on the unemployed and apprenticeships and I can see no excuse for the OGP to be still working on guidelines. Will the Minister of State give a commitment on the date the guidelines will issue?