Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I apologise to the House that I have not been able to bring the Construction Contracts Bill before it, as promised. I thank the Leader and the Cathaoirleach for making arrangements for it on so many occasions.

This Bill, which was introduced in the House last May and came back in October, has turned out to be much more complex than I thought. The other day the Attorney General said he wished to get involved in some of the aspects of it and that is the reason it will not come before the House this week.

I wish to make a plea for help. It is very good legislation and the Seanad will come out of it very well but it will not be easy to get it passed. We will work very hard in the next few weeks and we hope to have the Bill before the House as soon as we come back after the recess. I hope Members will be able to help get the Construction Contracts Bill through the other House by using their influence with colleagues in their parties. It is good legislation and both Houses will benefit from it, as will the country. I urge Members to do their best to ensure it passes before this Government leaves office.