During the Order of Busines in the Seanad, I said: A document in my hand makes for grim reading. It is a report prepared for a court case a number of weeks ago on the liquidation of a construction company...

Each of the 1,620 companies and subcontractors is an employer. The threat posed to them is that, because another company has gone into liquidation, the same could occur to them. These companies would not be on the list if we had been able to pass legislation proposed in the House last May.

It will be before the House again before Christmas. As the Leader’s heart is in it, he will do his best to ensure its passage. I am referring to the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 which has reached Committee Stage. I urge the Leader to do all he can to ensure it will not only pass through this House before the recess but also that it will pass through the Lower House.

However, its passage through the Lower House is not his responsibility. Senator Mooney mentioned the need for hope. We could have good news because of this Bill, as it would protect subcontractors. It is based on legislation introduced in other countries and would set the standard once it was passed through the Seanad and the Dáil. If we make amendments to improve it, it will be able to pass through the Dáil more easily and without delay.

I am confident that this can be done before Christmas, but it will need the support not only of the Leader but also of every party. Up to 200 subcontractors met in a hotel at 10 a.m. and are hanging on to learn whether we can have the legislation passed promptly. I believe we can and doing so is in the House’s hands. Let us ensure it is passed before Christmas.