SDLP Economic Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has called on Government Departments to act urgently to ensure swift payment to construction workers involved in public sector projects.

Mr McGlone said: "According to the Finance Minister,some 60% of construction work in the north at the moment is on public sector infrastructure projects. Many local contractors and sub-contractors, like those affected by Patton's, are working hard to complete these projects on and ahead of time.

"The survival of these companies, and the livelihood of their employees, is dependent on timely payments for work carried out from Departments, public bodies and the main contractors. The reality shown to us on Monday is that many firms and their workers are struggling because of significant cash flow problems as a result of late payments.

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"Far too many of our local construction companies have already gone to the wall. The Government must up its game and improve its ownperformance by paying invoices quicker to smaller firms and suppliers to avoid putting them at risk because of cash flow problems and by introducing measures to make sure sub-contractors and suppliers are paid promptly and efficiently.

"That is why I have put in an question to each Executive Minister asking them to detail what practices, protocols and measures are in place in their Department and relevant bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers."

(CD/GK)