SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has sought assurances from the Minister for Health regarding the proper facilitation of payments to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers through the adoption of Project Bank Accounts as good practice within the Department.

Speaking as Chairperson of the All Party Working Group on Construction which met in Stormont, Mr McGlone said: "During our meeting, I highlighted to Minister Poots that Project Bank Accounts were to protect all sectors of construction projects; contractors, subcontractors and suppliers and that my first responsibility is not to protect large bidders; it is to protect public interests.

"Project Bank Accounts were initially established for the purpose of insuring proper and regular payments throughout the building supply chain in a project paid from the public purse. They are vitally important in terms of protecting subcontractors' flow of money particularly in the wake of a number of high profile contractors entering administration or receivership. The advantage of Project Bank Accounts is that they afford a level of payment protection in these often unpredictable and challenging times within the construction industry.

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"I am all too familiar with the immense hardship and worry that was experienced by subcontractors within my own constituency, when the Patton firm went into administration. Every effort must be taken to prevent such a destabilising circumstance from occurring in the North’s construction industry ever again.

"After seeking assurances from the Minister on such matters, I welcome the strong commitment he gave that a Project Bank Account will be set up for Desertcreat Police Training College in Cookstown.

"I am optimistic that this commitment will be taken up by other Departments as good practice in the facilitation of payments to workers in the construction industry. I have lodged further Assembly Questions today seeking this commitment from the bigger spending Departments."

(CD/JP)