Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Yes. It is in the context of the question. Section 3 states that the Act shall apply only to construction contracts which are entered into after the commencement of this Act. I am curious to know the position in terms of the relevant payment date. For example, if Mr. Gallagher's company or a similar company submitted an invoice and it was subject to the normal trading conditions of payment within four weeks, two months or three months and the company was not paid, would the European Communities late payment regulations become relevant even though the Act states they are not being applied retrospectively? I appreciate I am dancing on the head of a pin here but I am curious to know if there is any redress for such non-payment of a contract.

I reiterate this is an important day for the Seanad, even in its dying hours. I again pay tribute to Senator Quinn in that regard.