Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 8, between lines 36 and 37, to insert the following: "(5) Within 12 months of the passing of this Act, the Minister shall lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas that examines the establishment of a statutory skills register for the construction sector and sets out recommendations for reform in this area.".

I welcome this Bill. The amendments I have tabled seek only to strengthen and improve it. A statutory skills register for the construction sector is important. A register of builders is welcome, but the key reasons for this register are the difficulties we have had, which are well known, in terms of mica, pyrite, fire safety defects and construction defects, which have caused not only significant untold financial costs but human costs for people. There are different reasons for this, including weaknesses in building controls and regulations, inspection of materials and, at times, deficits in terms of skills. As part of the register of builders, we need a statutory skills register for the construction sector. The Bill as drafted does not provide for that.

On Second Stage, the Minister legitimately made the point that it is necessary to have regard to experience as well as skills in terms of people that can access the existing register and that if we insisted only on skills it would have the effect of some people who have decades of experience and can do very good construction works and play a very important role not being able to register. I understand that. As of now, however, we are allowing only experience and not qualifications and certified skills to stand. We need to move to having a statutory skills register of the professionalisation and qualifications that are needed. Why would not that be done?

The amendment seeks that the Minister would lay a report before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 12 months of enactment. That is very reasonable. It is not a huge obligation, but it would provide us with a path forward on this issue. I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's response.