Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá trí cheist agam. The first involves the water services Bill and the matter which we debated on Leaders' Questions but in respect of which clarity was not forthcoming. Will the Tánaiste indicate when we might expect the legislation in question to be introduced?

The second question I wish to pose relates to the Construction Contracts Act. It is 18 months since this legislation was signed into law by the President and we are still awaiting a commencement date in respect of it. The legislation in question was originally introduced five years ago and the process relating to it has been extremely drawn out. The Tánaiste is familiar with the consequences experienced by contractors and subcontractors when the construction bubble burst and with the fact that so many SMEs went out of business at that time. The legislation makes provision for dispute resolution mechanisms and protections in respect of the people to whom I refer. Perhaps the Tánaiste will indicate when it is likely to come into effect.

My final question relates to the fact that the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg announced in recent days that it will hear a collective complaint about the appalling state of local authority housing in 20 local authority areas across the State. The estates involved include O'Devaney Gardens, Croke Villas, Dolphin House, Balgaddy-----

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