Mr. Michael Layde:

I am not familiar with the exchange members had with my colleagues in the water services area of the Department, but I am perfectly happy to raise the issue and work with them. I take the more general point on builders and the certification thereof. We are working with the industry in regard to the development of a new system of certification for builders so people can be confident they are dealing with an appropriately certified builder. Initially, we are examining the potential to develop a voluntary code of practice that could, perhaps, be put on a statutory footing. One of the lessons from the recent past, which we acknowledge and which is part of the broader reform programme, is that there is a need for public confidence in the building sector. This is a view shared by the responsible members of the building sector. They are working with us at present on this. We will certainly pass on members' concerns to our colleagues in the water services section. We will be happy to work with them in the context of the regulations.