Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 9

Written Answers. - Late Payments by Local Authorities.

Peter Barry

Question:

73 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many small businesses are not being paid within a reasonable time by local authorities; if he has had complaints about this from business associations; if his attention has further been drawn to the danger to employment involved; and the action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

I have not received any complaints relating to any general problem of this nature involving local authorities. However, I understand that the Task Force on Small Business which is chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Commerce and Technology is currently examining the problems caused to small business by late payments, including those by public bodies.