On the 19th May, 2010, Independent Senator Feargal Quinn
introduced the Construction Contracts Bill (the Bill) to Seanad
Eireann (the Senate). The Bill was the result of discussions
between the Senator and Mr Sean Gallagher, Chief Executive of
Smarthomes, who had contacted Senator Quinn to highlight the
problems with payment for sub-contractors in the construction
industry. The Bill received Government support and has been taken
up by the Department of Finance. It is also backed by the
Construction Industry Federation, which had also been considering
options for improving cash flow within the industry.
This note sets out a brief commentary on the key provisions
contained in the Construction Contracts Bill 2010, as introduced by
Senator Quinn. Commentary on the Bill has emphasised the need to
ensure the principal provisions contained in the UK Housing Grants,
Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended) (the "HGCR
Act") are replicated here in Ireland. A real
