Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important Bill. It has been a joint effort with Senator Quinn who brought it through the Seanad. It is an important part of the programme for Government and I welcome the work done on it. As Deputy Buttimer said, there is an urgency in getting this legislation through the House in order that the net benefit can be seen by those who work in this sector. One hopes it will be a measure that will stop the negative domino effect of consecutive non-payment between businesses by bringing in strict regulations.

Steady progress has been made to date by the Government in introducing regulations and guidelines that help businesses. This measure will help the construction industry. Attracting foreign direct investment and reform of the public sector are progressing favourably. The indigenous small and medium-sized enterprise sector requires ongoing work, as does the banking sector. The construction sector will benefit from this Bill's measures. More work can be done in reforming the planning sector to allow those with ready construction projects to be brought to contract stage. The length of time An Bord Pleanála can take on granting planning permission needs to be amended. A reduction in development levies at local authority level is also vital.

The issue of eurobonds has been much in the news recently. While it may be down the line a bit, progress should be made in this area. We must watch for Structural Funds from Europe for shovel-ready structural projects which will benefit the construction sector which has such a high level of employment.

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