Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

It would be of assistance if Members were given two weeks notice before Bills are published so that we might research them properly. It will benefit the debate if we have time to study legislation.

I welcome the contact I have had from the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland and others in the short time we have known about this Bill. Those to whom I refer provided me with important documentation on it.

The explanatory memorandum states that the Bill provides for amendments of the Building Control Act 1990. Part 2 provides for improvements in the processing and format of applications for fire safety certificates by introducing a regularisation certificate and a fast-track procedure in cases where commencement of work is imminent. The regularisation certificate will allow for post-construction certification of buildings with a public use. In other words, an occupied building will retrospectively be granted a fire certificate. How could a building be erected without a fire safety certificate? Currently, a planning application is made and then a separate application is made for the fire safety certificate, which is issued on the basis of the plans before the officials at that time. The building can proceed and officials can check what is happening. If, however, fire certification is issued post-construction, officials cannot check construction methods because the building is already in place. Unless they strip down the building to examine critical points, it is not possible. This is a serious issue to which consideration must be given.

The Building Regulations Advisory Body, which advises the Department on this issue, is primarily made up of those involved in the building industry, such as builders, architects and surveyors. Are there any enforcers of the building code on the committee?

See this speech in context