Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 July 2014
99. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form those Acts currently in force for which he has lead responsibility that have parts or sections yet to be formally commenced; the details or purpose of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32008/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question the only Act currently in force, for which I have lead responsibility, that has parts or sections yet to be formally commenced is the Construction Contracts Act 2013. The aim of the Construction Contracts Act 2013 is to have a new system which will both reduce the non-payment exposure of subcontractors and provide some effective remedy for them should non-payment occur. The Bill passed all stages of the Houses of the Oireachtas in July 2013 and was signed into law on the 29 July 2013.
Two further steps are necessary for the operation of the legislation prior to its commencement. The first, a comprehensive code of practice for the conduct of adjudication, has been the subject of consultation with key stakeholders. The final draft of the code of practice was circulated to stakeholders in March. The second element requires the establishment of a panel of adjudicators and a chair of that panel to be appointed. Officials in my Department are working on the details of the structure for the panel, its set up and operation and this will shortly be circulated to stakeholders for consultation. Once this process is concluded, applications for the panel will be advertised and when the appointment process to the panel is complete the Act will be commenced.
