Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)

The Priory Hall case demonstrates that certain aspects of the building control regulations, particularly the self-certification process, are clearly not working. This became clear during the building boom when light touch regulation was favoured. We are now seeing the effects of the failure to comply with basic safety regulations. I refer, for example, to the requirement that an isolation handle, which allows one to switch off the gas in the event of a fire, be provided when a gas connection is being installed. Similarly, many electrical installations were not earthed in the manner that is required. That could have serious consequences in the event of a fire. All of the building control regulations should be put on a statutory basis, as provided for in the legislation that established them. It is clear that self-certification, which was initially provided after difficulties arose, does not work. We have seen that in other fields. We should consider putting the regulations on a proper statutory basis.

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