John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to give protection by way of regulation or legislation to sub-contractors who, in some instances, are not paid by the main contractor, despite the fact that the main contractor has been paid public moneys by local authorities for public contracts, such as road building, sewerage schemes etc.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9800/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is not responsible for regulating contractual relationships or for the sponsorship of new legislation in this area. I understand, however, that the European Communities (Late Payments in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2002 already provide contractors, including sub-contractors, with legal protection against late payments and unfair contract terms. In addition, organisations representing small and medium-sized enterprises may take representative actions in the Circuit Court seeking a declaration that particular contract terms are grossly unfair and may not be used. Any review of these regulations would be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.