Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted with today's good news story. I join all colleagues in congratulating our good friend and colleague, Senator Daragh O'Brien, on his birthday. I also congratulate Deputy Joan Burton on becoming leader of the Labour Party. I also welcome H.E. Mr. Dominick Chilcott, the British ambassador, to the Chamber.

Thanks to Senator Feargal Quinn, and I am pleased to follow on this, we have the Construction Contracts Act. A commitment was given in the programme for Government to aid small building contractors who were denied payment from bigger companies. The Act introduces a new regime to aid subcontractors in the construction sector, many of whom have experienced difficulties for many years. It introduces interim payments of moneys due to subcontractors and new statutory rights for subcontractors in the industry. It also establishes a new adjudication system to arbitrate on disputes in the area. This morning I had a query from a poll-topping colleague in Kerry who is very concerned about the matter. I will discuss this with Senator Quinn afterwards. Perhaps the Act now requires an order on all or part of it and the sooner it happens the better. There are huge shortfalls in this area. There is something very wrong where it occurs when subcontractors deal with organs of the State. I look forward to pursuing the matter further. We should pursue it in government and ensure it is dealt with speedily.