Ferris questions award of contracts to company with fraud convictions
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Communications and Energy Martin Ferris TD has questioned the awarding of hugely lucrative Bord Gáis and Iarnród Éireann contracts to a company which has convictions for fraud in Britain.
Deputy Ferris raised the matter regarding Balfour Beatty during questions with Minister Pat Rabbitte this afternoon. He referred to a 2008 fine of £2.25 million for false accounting imposed by the Serious Fraud Office and a £5.2 million fine in 2009 for corrupt practises in securing contracts.
Deputy Ferris said: “According to Section 3.9 of the Department of Finance guidelines on awarding public contracts a conviction for fraud precludes a company from tendering for or being awarded such a contract. On that basis I really cannot understand how Balfour Beatty has been successful here, apart altogether from their appalling safety and industrial relations record in Britain.
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