Mr. Simon Jones:

It is worth making the point that this is a problem across Europe and that at a European level, they are trying to look towards the independent inspection of standard ventilation systems in homes. Ireland is leading the way here. In our latest revision of building regulations under Part F, we need an independent validator or inspector of ventilation systems in all new homes. That is to be applauded. We are the first country in Europe to go that far in saying that all new buildings need to be inspected by somebody independent. This is definitely to be welcomed. Unfortunately, this falls down a bit because the t's and i's have not been crossed and dotted and there is no central database where that information is held and can be audited. As of today, we do not know how many homes have been inspected and we certainly do not know how many of them have passed or failed. The devil is in the detail with that kind of stuff that really adds power to those regulations. In some ways, our ventilation regulations are pretty good and are certainly in line with many other countries. What is key is inspection, policing and making sure the supply chain is delivering.