I wish to speak about the appalling scene that we witnessed last week in my local primary school. I am from Kilfinane in County Limerick and I could not believe that in the freezing cold and driving rain there was a stand-off between local parents, the school staff and local subcontractors from the surrounding areas of Bruff, Elton and Murroe. Everyone knows one another there. In the approach to Christmas, it was disgraceful that hard-working, honest, decent family men felt they had no other option but to take matters into their own hands in an effort to recoup some of the money they were owed. This is not the first time that some of those subcontractors have been left high and dry, almost broke and on the verge of bankruptcy by the same Government job. Below-cost, yellow-pack tenders are being given out to dubious "John Wayne" contractors. When it comes to capital programmes in schools, and investing in the future of our children, the cheapest is not always the best. We should demand a state-of-the-art facility.

What Minister sanctioned those? Would he be a Labour Party Minister?

I will not delay the House for too long but I wish to commend the school principal, Siobhán O'Flynn, her dedicated staff, the parents and gardaí for keeping their cool in a difficult situation.

What about the parish priest?

This is too much detail. Does Senator James Heffernan have a question for the Leader?

That leads me on to the Construction Contracts Bill. Last May, my colleague, Councillor David Moloney, tabled a motion at Limerick County Council. I have a letter from the Construction Industry Federation saying that 125 days have passed since the Bill came through the Seanad.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

I commend Senator Quinn for his initiative on this Bill. It is time to stop dragging our heels on this and to introduce this important legislation, if not before Christmas then shortly thereafter. The Minister should commit himself to introducing legislation giving contractors, subcontractors and workers protection and proper payment for their work.