Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Two years and seven months ago, a Bill was introduced in this House by my esteemed colleague, Senator Feargal Quinn.

It was the Construction Contracts Bill. Some colleagues may recall the Bill and, I am sure, contributed to the debate. I was not a Member of the House at the time, nor were many of my colleagues. I understand the Bill had cross-party support in both Houses but, to date, it has not reached Committee Stage. I appreciate that both Houses have changed since the Bill was introduced but the delay in taking the Bill to the next Stage is unacceptable.

I commend Senator Quinn on introducing yesterday's Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill. The Construction Contracts Bill, like yesterday's Bill, is simple and concise. We all read recent newspaper reports of the difficulties incurred by contractors at Kilfinane national school in County Limerick. The issue was one of construction payments and the difficulties arising from them. I am told difficulties regarding payments to contractors are ongoing in many project. In my own county of Louth, outstanding payments are due to contractors. The same is true throughout the country.

The Construction Contracts Bill is designed to eliminate these problems. Its main aim is to help ensure proper and prompt payments for construction contractors at all levels of the industry. I call on the Leader to do all in his power to bring that Bill to Committee Stage as soon as possible.