Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am concerned about the length of time it takes to get anything done in the State, particularly in Government areas. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, was in the House some months ago and said that before he came to office, provision was made for the introduction of a post code system. To the best of my knowledge that has not happened, at least I have not seen anything. He was complaining about the time it took to get that done. I do not know the reason for the delay but it appears we are going to spend ¤15 million on it.

The Construction Contracts Bill, in which I took a particular interest, passed Second Stage a long time ago and finished in the Lower House 18 months ago. It has not got any further than Second Stage in the other House, more than 900 days since it was passed in this House. I cannot figure out what prevents things from happening. The Construction Contracts Bill is important from the jobs point of view. It is not as though it is being put on the long finger because it is not important. The subcontractors who have not been paid recently in at least two large developments in the south are waiting for the legislation. If it means sitting longer hours to get this work done, whether here or in the other House, let us do that and ensure urgency in some of the State concerns.