In view of the housing crisis and, in particular, the budget day announcement of a major investment of €2 billion or €3 billion in housing construction, as well as conflicting reports on the numbers of planning applications granted and the key role of approved housing bodies in the Government's plan, when can we expect to have sight of the housing (regulation of approved housing bodies) Bill?

For the past four years I have been raising with the Taoiseach the issue of the commencement of the Construction Contracts Act which was passed by the House approximately two years ago. Subcontractors who will bid for housing construction contracts still do not have protection in respect of whether they will be paid. Two years after the passing of the legislation the Minister has not signed the commencement order. I ask the Taoiseach to arrange to have this done.

The housing Bill to which the Deputy refers is due to be published later this year. While I do not have up-to-date information on the Construction Contracts Act, I will advise the Deputy of the position. As he is aware, the Bill was introduced to address a complicated matter.