Construction Industry Federation (CIF) director general Tom Parlon has defended his actions in lobbying for local authority projects that were awarded under old-style costing contracts.

Mr Parlon, the former minister of state at the Office of Public Works, secured approval for €150m of building contracts that do not contain new conditions aimed at securing better value for money, it was reported today.

It is understood Mr Parlon secured an agreement from Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan to go ahead with 50 key projects under old-style “costs plus” contracts, which allow builders to factor in additional costs incurred during construction work, rather than under new, fixed-price contracts.

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