David Norris (Independent)

I second the amendment. Senator Quinn has been briefed extensively by senior members of the construction industry. I imagine that the amendment emerged from discussions subsequent to the satisfactory passage of earlier Stages of the Bill in this House. It is an important Bill and this is a significant amendment. It redefines a range of matters from the central matter of the construction contract. I understand the Bill is not being opposed so there is no need to make the argument for it. This is a comprehensive and detailed series of definitions and is welcome.

This Bill indicates the relevance of Seanad Éireann. The construction industry is in considerable difficulty and the fact that senior members of the construction industry chose to approach a Member of Seanad Éireann to assist in the production of this legislation shows that at the centre of our business enterprise, in one of the most significant engines of the economy, leading figures considered Seanad Éireann to be the appropriate place for this legislation to be discussed. That point does not need further underlining but I am pleased to speak in support of Senator Quinn's Bill. He has done the Seanad considerable service by introducing this Bill. In the final days of this session of Seanad Éireann, it is important that the last act should be the passage of this significant Bill.