John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17691/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government decided to reform construction procurement to achieve greater cost certainty, better value for money and more cost effective delivery of public works projects. My Department, with the assistance of the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC), specialist legal drafters and external technical expertise, has developed a suite of Standard Forms of Construction Contract and Conditions of Engagement for Construction Related Services, e.g. architects, engineers and quantity surveyors, to give effect to the Government decision.

Under existing arrangements, a significant portion of the fees for construction related services are calculated by reference to the final outturn cost. The new Conditions of Engagement will provide for fixed price lump sum contracts as the norm for these appointments but without compromising on quality.

I am aware of the concerns raised in the correspondence supplied as my officials have had extensive consultations with the relevant professional bodies on these and other issues related to the new Conditions of Engagement since July of last year. During these comprehensive discussions and communications, the views, comments and concerns of the professional bodies, including those in the correspondence supplied have been outlined in considerable detail. My officials have sought to address these concerns within the context of the Government decision. The final changes are now being considered and my officials will be in contact with the representatives of the professional bodies shortly with the final draft of the Conditions. We will then be proceeding to the next phase of the implementation which is a comprehensive training programme for public sector practitioners to ensure that the new arrangements are used appropriately across the public sector.