Vol. 481 No. 7
113 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, she has to undertake a study of payment practices among private sector purchasers to establish the effectiveness of voluntary codes of payment practices in different sectors and to establish whether a statutory code would be appropriate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17190/97]
The Deputy will be aware that, with regard to the introduction of legislation governing payment practices in the private sector, the Task Force on Small Business recommended that the position should be reviewed three years after the introduction of such legislation in the public sector.
During the Second Stage debate on the then Prompt Payment of Accounts Bill in the Seanad, the Deputy indicated that the then Government was willing to give time to see whether the voluntary codes established in the private sector brought about improvements in payment practices in that sector. He agreed, however, that the position regarding the private sector should be examined before the expiration of the three year period after the Act comes into effect. I concur with that view and I intend to instigate an examination not later than two years after the Act has been in operation. That examination will, inter alia, review the effectiveness of voluntary codes of payment practices in the private sector.
