John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is the policy of his Department to insist on the lowest tender when approving funding for voluntary housing associations; if this policy will be applied in the case of an association (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33587/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Capital funding is available through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme to approved voluntary housing bodies to provide accommodation to meet special housing needs, such as elderly, homeless or persons with disabilities. My Department's involvement with the scheme relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the scheme, and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the scheme, are the responsibility of the appropriate local authority, in this case Laois County Council.

Approved voluntary housing bodies which undertake projects under my Department's capital funding schemes are required to comply with Government public procurement requirements. It is a matter for the Council to ensure that the tendering and contract award procedures are in accordance with the requirements in this instance.