Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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312. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be a review of tendering processes in which companies with a poor record in fire safety and building standards will be excluded from future tenders for school building projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45105/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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My Department is aware of the issue raised by the Deputy.

The EU Procurement Directives set the parameters for tendering processes and possible exclusion of contractors from same.

My Department will continue to liaise with and be advised by the Chief State Solicitors Office on such matters.

The Department of Education and Skills at all times acts in accordance with public procurement legislation. Under the EU Procurement Directives, it is very difficult to exclude a contractor from a tendering process.

In terms of future contracts, the Department will at all times act in accordance with the legislation governing public procurement and will take legal advice as necessary.