I wish to ask the Taoiseach about the current status of the subcontractors legislation. Can he confirm that it contains a provision to deal with the subcontracting of labour only and that there is no provision for subcontracting materials? If that is the case, does it not defeat the initial purpose and thrust of the legislation?

We have had intensive discussions about that. Report Stage of the Construction Contracts Bill is to be taken in the House next week.

In response to Deputy Healy-Rae, some 60,000 applications have been paid and fewer than 100 have not been paid. SUSI is waiting for their details.