Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is the problem. I understand that the Construction Contracts Act in place since 2016 does not apply to PPP contracts. Why? Why are small businesses not protected by that law? Please clarify whether the subcontractors are protected. It is a sham to say that the Construction Contracts Act was introduced yet a subcontractor who works on a PPP does not qualify to be covered by that law. I cannot understand why that happened. We, as Members, are here working for the good of the country and we want these schools open. The subcontractors also want the schools open. The teachers and parents want the schools open. There is much controversy surrounding these projects in Carlow. I know that the best of contractors were involved in the project and worked really hard. Parents are now saying, "Oh, my God, the subcontractors have done the work and my kids are going to that school." Do the witnesses present understand the massive conflict that has been created?

The biggest issue for me is that nobody has taken responsibility for the matter. The view that seems to have been adopted is that the contract was done with Carillion and as long as the schools are open by December in order that we can do the contract and pay back the funding over 25 years, then we are finished and our job is done. It is not done and such a stance is unacceptable. Passing the buck, in terms of the PPPs, is unacceptable. Jobs may be lost yet there is no accountability and we were all given the same answers, which is unacceptable. I am very disheartened by the situation and believe the Minister should step in to resolve the matter. I have brought this matter to his attention. Last week he was in Carlow again yet he did not give a favourable answer. His attitude seems to be that he could not interfere in the matter. Somebody needs to step in to resolve the matter. At this stage we should approach the Taoiseach about the matter. It is unacceptable that we, through a departmental contract, could end up closing down subcontractors by not paying them for the work that they have done. This matter needs to be taken further.