Mr. Hubert Fitzpatrick:

Questions were asked about the revenue implications of the proposals. If some of our suggested proposals were implemented, more work, for example, the refurbishment and improvement of houses, would be undertaken in a compliant industry. They would ensure that VAT was paid and construction workers were registered for PAYE and PRSI. They would encourage home owners to engage compliant builders. The proposals would not have a major impact on the Exchequer but it would lead to a greater level of compliance within the industry, as people would engage compliant contractors so that they might recover their VAT or whatever the case might be.

We have discussed a register of builders with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. We hope to introduce a process for the registration of builders early next year. We want the process to move to a standards-based registration system over time. Initially, it would work on a voluntary basis with a view to it becoming statutory. We are anxious to work with the Department on a scheme for the registration of compliant builders who will commit to a certain level of training and continuous professional development to ensure that they understand their obligations fully, particularly under the building control regulations, to build to the appropriate standards and adhere to all legal requirements.