Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the point the Minister just made, it is not just since the collapse of the economy that we have had houses built poorly in Drogheda. I raised one as an issue last week, where a builder built a house for a local authority in which there is no damp-proof course. The person who now occupies it has been told that, despite whatever remedial works have been carried out, the house may have to be demolished. That is an appalling vista for a builder who built a house. It should have never happened and it is a disgrace.

I appreciate that the Minister cannot answer the specific question. I do not expect him too, but in an event like that, where a builder clearly and absolutely built without due regard to a basic fundamental issue, will such a builder be kicked off this list? Can he or she be refused in the future, because he or she is not competent? The problem that arises, even if he or she is removed from this list, is whether it is the individual or the company that is affected? Who is accountable in that context? I agree and support greater accountability. I am with the Minister in what he is saying, but we need to sort these guys out urgently and immediately if we can.