Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach gave a commitment through prompt payments that the State would pay all moneys due to individuals and small businesses within 15 days. That has not been delivered on, especially in the case of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which is taking months to process initial applications for the farm waste management grant. What is the timeline for delivering on prompt payments for small businesses and individuals?

Does the Government intend to review the tendering process because many small businesses do not have the opportunity to compete for public tenders due to the structures in place and the need for a significant amount of insurance and so on? Will the Government review that on the basis that it would make it more efficient for small businesses to compete and, as a result, reduce overall costs for the State?

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