Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

There are strict regulations with regard to new houses. I am not simply talking about opening the doors. It is a question of proper ventilation schemes. The institute has also said that it will give advice and recommendations to householders on how this issue can be tackled on an individual basis. The Department of Education and Science has provided assistance in this matter to older schools, particularly through the summer building scheme. I am not sure of the costs involved with regard to this issue. However, I am aware of the situation with regard to a number of old houses whereby small issues were identified which required minor action. I am not saying there were no costs involved but the costs were minor. We all spend resources on the maintenance of our homes. Such costs were not in the order of €10,000 or €20,000.

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