Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1006: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to construction procedure, reform and delivery of the rural water programme for 2007, in particular the timescale for the introduction of reforms for conditions of engagement for construction contracts and circular letter 3306 from the Department of Finance indicating that training is essential before new forms are used and that this training will not be completed until September 2007. [14562/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Revised procurement arrangements for all publicly funded construction projects have been introduced by the Minister for Finance which have applied to the engagement of construction consultants from 1 January, 2007, and have introduced new Forms of Contract from 19 February, 2007. The strategic objective is to produce greater cost certainty at contract award stage, value for money and more efficient delivery of projects.

Under the training programme for local authorities in relation to the revised procurement procedures, priority is being given to key personnel involved in project delivery. I am satisfied that the training arrangements have been structured to ensure minimal, if any, disruption to the Rural Water Programme.