Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

All of these issues, including the specific issues being encountered by subcontractors, are dealt with by the Ministers concerned in the Departments concerned on an ongoing basis. The question of legislative change is being pursued. The Deputy is aware that the Government agreed to consider a proposal that was made by Senator Quinn, who is an Independent. It has been advanced considerably on foot of close and constructive work between the Departments of Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to prepare amendments to the relevant legislation. I hope the Bill will be enacted. It will not have retrospective effect, unfortunately, because the legislation cannot have such an effect. It is being prepared as part of an effort to address situations that have arisen, of which we are all aware.

I refer to subcontractors that have been left in difficult situations because of the financial problems of main contractors. We are all cognisant of that. Many people have been affected. The Government is working in co-operation with the sponsoring Senator to make this legislative change, which is an indication of the seriousness of our intent and purpose in this area.

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