The appointments bring the total composition of the panel to five barristers, six solicitors, six architects, seven engineers and 12 quantity surveyors.

A spokesperson said Damien English, minister of state for business, employment and retail, is satisfied that the balance “represents enough adjudicators and a good mix of the required professions” to meet the requirements of the 2013 Act over the next five years.

In the event of a payment dispute between parties to a construction contract, the 2013 Act provides that either party may refer the dispute for adjudication, which will then take place in a tight timeframe.

If the parties cannot agree on the appointment of an adjudicator, an application can be made for the appointment of an adjudicator from the ministerial panel of adjudicators.

Mr English said: “I am very pleased to appoint the members of the ministerial panel of adjudicators following the recent open competitive process conducted by my department.

“I believe this new adjudication panel should greatly assist those involved in the construction sector to resolve payment disputes in a professional and efficient way.”