John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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86. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will include social clauses for the long-term unemployed in the education projects announced as part of the €150 million extra in capital expenditure for 2013and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28256/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In common with the rest of the Public Sector, capital works projects in schools are tendered under the standard Public Works Contracts as required by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC). The Guidelines require a competitive process carried out in an open, objective and transparent manner to achieve best value for money in public procurement.

Essential principles to be observed in conducting all procurement functions include non-discrimination, equal treatment, transparency, mutual recognition, proportionality, freedom to provide service and freedom of establishment.

School Building Projects are tendered in compliance with the above guidelines and requirements. The current public works contract does not include social clauses for the long-term unemployed .

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Government Construction Contracts Committee are currently considering the possibility of inclusion of social clauses in future public works contracts. My Department will implement any future changes to public works contracts in accordance with the guidelines given.