Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

In the long run, the scheme which has been agreed between employers and employees will be better for workers and their families. Currently, approximately 65,000 people are in the scheme, while 80,000 are eligible to join it. Deputies will be aware that a high degree of self-employment exists within the industry, which in itself causes further difficulties.

I have suggested that employers who do not remit funds or comply with legislation should not be awarded State contracts and I continue to hold that view. I have held discussions with the Minister for Finance in that regard and understand he is planning to introduce new standard contracts for public sector building projects later this year. These contracts will require contractors to ensure pay and conditions of employment fully comply with the law and that pension terms are no less favourable than the pension terms included in the registered employment agreement. Combined with the new pension scheme, the contracts will be of considerable benefit to the industry.

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