Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for being here today. Our objective is to ensure we have excellent builders and tradesmen in Ireland that we can be proud of. The problem now is the lack of builders and tradesmen and we need to work on that. I believe the ones we have are the best they can be and we need to ensure that we appreciate them.

The main issue for me is the bonds. We are all aware of unfinished housing estates and the lack of accountability in that regard which is unfair to people who have bought houses in those estates. I would welcome a response on that issue. Regulation is the key. We need regulation. In regard to the point that to be eligible to register a builder must have three years experience, perhaps the witnesses would elaborate on that. On fees, are they payable every year or on a once-off basis? It was mentioned that building standards are excellent. We need public confidence in this regard going forward in light of the level of building that will be going on over the next few years. What is the position in relation to funding for inspections? If people are to have confidence they need to know that inspections will be carried out. From where does the funding for inspections come? Perhaps the witnesses would clarify that and also elaborate on the exemptions provided for under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014.

On the issue of complaints, I was surprised by the number of complaints being made in this area. Do the organisations here today work with local authorities or other agencies? I ask that question because I believe that to ensure success everybody must work together. As I said earlier, regulation is key.