Roadbridge, one of Ireland's largest construction firms, has gone into receivership. It is devastating news for the company's workers and subcontractors. Roadbridge could owe at least €40 million to subcontractors and suppliers. I know of one small company that is owed €155,000, despite Roadbridge having been paid for the work, which included taxpayers' money. These particular owners, like many others I am sure, have invested everything in their business and are now left high and dry. They may not survive this blow.

Furthermore, Roadbridge has contracts for a number of crucial public projects that are now delayed. We need a comprehensive response from the Government, especially since Roadbridge might not be the only company in trouble. As the Tánaiste knows, we are facing massive inflationary pressure in the construction sector. Is the Government examining this matter to establish whether other public projects might be in jeopardy?

As I understand it, this is a liquidation. Our main focus in the past week or two has been trying to make sure that the workers affected had their redundancy rights protected. That has been done. On subcontractors getting paid, the Deputy will be very aware that when companies fail, unfortunately, sometimes suppliers and subcontractors do not get paid in full but they do get paid in part. That will all depend on how much money is left at the end of the liquidation.

We are working to ensure that important public projects for which Roadbridge has contracts can continue. My colleague, Deputy O'Donnell, has been very active on this, as has Deputy O'Dea. These contracts particularly relate to a 38-home housing project in Moyross and Southill in Limerick, the Coonagh to Knockalisheen road in Moyross and the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge road. Work is being done to make sure those projects continue.