THE construction industry is the subject of a Government sponsored review, which is expected to herald many changes. The review was launched yesterday by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Howlin. It will look at all aspects of the industry from price contracts to working conditions and competitiveness.

The review committee will be chaired by Mr Tony Barry, chairman of CRH. It is due to report by the end of the year. The output of the industry is £4.5 billion and it employs 115,000 people.

Mr Howlin said that the most important element of the review was to ensure that the Irish construction industry became more competitive. He added that he did not see why Irish companies should not be competing more for jobs abroad, particularly in eastern Europe.

The committee will also be looking at the possibility of a more active partnership between public and private sector.