Mr. Tom Parlon:

We work with the other professional bodies to deal with the matter. An issue arose recently whereby it was difficult to get a bond. Generally when one wins a contract the next question from the client is whether one can produce a bond that demonstrates the financial wherewithal to complete the project. The bonds suppliers increased the value of bonds and refused to supply them at all for a period of time.

We have met with the other professional bodies, the Government's head of procurement and head of contracts and the various Departments. There is about to be a review of the Government formal contract. In recent years, our member firms found that they needed to take all of the risks. Before the current formal contract was in place, the balance was in favour of contractors. We must rebalance the risks. We are in the throes of presenting to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter.