Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I was informed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, that the building control Bill may not be taken this session. There is no question of it being taken this session but he hopes to have it published before the House resumes in 2006. What are the implications for Ireland of our failure to implement EU Directive 2002/90/91/EEC on the energy performance of buildings? We are building far more than any other country at present and there are serious implications down the road. I know the Taoiseach does not have the information now but, perhaps, he would find out the reason for the extraordinary delay in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Will he confirm there is no rivalry or clash between the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on this matter?

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