Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. As I am sure he can appreciate, it is very frustrating for a local contractor who does not see one, two or three but four contracts going to contractors from outside the State, bearing in mind that these jobs are not that big to start with. It is frustrating for people who are left wondering why their tender was not successful. I understand what the Minister of State has said but it is important that the rules and guidelines that are in place for the awarding of these contracts are adhered to. The Minister of State stated in conclusion that "it is the responsibility of each contracting authority to ensure that they adhere to these rules". I seek an assurance from the Minister of State that there are adequate checks and balances in place to ensure the contracting authority is doing what it is meant to be doing, which is to ensure that the people who are successful in these contracts, to whom I wish good luck, adopt the same rules and regulations as others.