Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 283: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the concerns expressed by a group (details supplied) in County Limerick at the new forms of contracts and engagement of consultants for all future voluntary housing schemes; if he will review these proposals in view of serious concerns that voluntary groups will not be able to operate these new arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27670/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from the construction review process, the Department of Finance introduced revised arrangements in October, 2006, for the procurement of public works projects and for the engagement and payment of construction consultants. In addition to Government Departments and local authorities, the new arrangements apply to other relevant bodies, including voluntary housing bodies, where 50% or more of the project funding is provided by the Exchequer.

In line with Department of Finance policy, as set out in Circular 33/06: Construction Procurement Reform, the new Forms of Construction Contracts are to be the norm and no amendments should be made to them. Exemption provisions apply in cases where the body procuring the project is not a public body and where more than 50% of the funding is from a source other than the Exchequer.