Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This is an important provision under the Construction Contracts Act 2013 and I only received responsibility for it towards the end of last year. I proactively sought this responsibility because I see it as being critically important to the construction industry, an industry that has suffered over the past few years. It is particularly important for SMEs operating in the construction sector, especially subcontractors, that there is a clear, fair and transparent system in place. Such a system has been lacking for years.

One of the issues we had was to identify a suitable and appropriately qualified individual who would command respect right across the industry. We have managed to do that in the appointment of Dr. Nael Bunni. His appointment has been widely welcomed by stakeholders in the sector. He is eminently qualified and internationally renowned in this space and I consider ourselves lucky to have his services.

It is important the appointment of the panel of adjudicators is done in an open and transparent fashion. The last thing I would do is simply appoint individuals based on an application to me or someone else. It is appropriate it is done through the Public Appointments Service and that will take some time but I expect the process to be concluded and for this scheme to be up and running shortly.

See this speech in context