John Browne
Question:97 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation requiring public authorities and State agencies to pay their bills on time. [1905/94]
Written Answers. - Legislation on Payments.
I am aware of the significance of the issue of late payment to the small business sector in Ireland. In particular, the cash flow implication of late payment must be seen as unmistakeably contributing to the existing patterns of business failure. Complex issues, nonetheless, arise as regards, for example, equity between public and private sectors. Exchequer implications, feasibility and desirability of particular types of sanction etc.
I am also conscious of a developing interest by the European Union in this issue and the fact that the existence of prompt payment legislation in other countries does not always ensure that the problem is solved. Immediate plans are for a detailed examination of the central issues involved and the preparation of an appropriate legislative response over the next few months.