Peter Kelly (Longford-Roscommon, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to see the Minister of State, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, taking this important consumer Bill. The Building Control Bill 2005 represents high standards and common sense. The people will adjust to and welcome this Bill. Let us get it right first time and take pride in our buildings and work. Safety must be a priority because life is precious. We should strive to have the highest standards. Nothing but the best should be good enough for the people and there should be no excuses. We now have the most educated and highly qualified people in the world. It is as easy to do a job the right way as the wrong way. In all fields, professional and qualified people are the experts. We should employ people who are qualified, have served their time and know what they are doing. Everyone is an expert in their own professions. Consumers should demand the best when they are paying for a service. They can help to improve standards.

In County Longford, we are fortunate we have a high calibre of architects. Longford-based architects, as well as Longford architects based in Dublin and New York, have reputations second to none. They are highly qualified and respected in their profession. In Longford County Council, a high standard has been achieved and the county can be proud of the staff in the council's planning section. Qualified building surveyors and quantity surveyors give a good service. We are fortunate that in County Longford our builders have a worldwide reputation for excellence. One can see the great work the builders have done. There are many examples of fine residential homes and commercial, industrial, retail and public buildings. The customer in County Longford is well catered for, with a wide choice of quality builders to choose from.

The rural tax has resulted in major improvement and development. We are lucky to have so many good builders and developers to develop our towns and villages — someone must lead the way. Builders are people of action rather than words. Longford builders have taken the lead at home in County Longford, in Dublin and all over Ireland, as well as in England, Scotland, Wales, and, more recently, in Europe.

The Bill in the main states that architects and other building professionals will be registered. The public will welcome, as I do, that these professionals will be properly qualified. It is only right and proper that properly qualified professionals are involved in the building profession. There is too much at stake and the people have too much to lose if qualified professionals are not employed.

I welcome the fact new homes and businesses will be more energy efficient. I also welcome the budget announcement by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, of grant aid to help people use alternative energies in their homes and businesses.

There will be better provision for people with disabilities, which is a necessity. It is okay for people who have their health to take things for granted, but we owe it to people with disabilities to help to make all buildings accessible to them. Of all the people with disabilities, I think of the many who are, unfortunately, confined to wheelchairs in County Longford. They are cheerful, happy people with a great outlook. They are entitled to live their lives with the least inconvenience possible. It is time to ensure that all buildings are wheelchair accessible.

The Bill will ensure stricter controls on fire protection. The tragedy of many major fires with loss of life has been well documented. There can be no excuse for this. We must take all necessary precautions to prevent fires. A new fire station will shortly open at Ballymahon, County Longford, the new fire station being constructed at present at Granard is well under way and a site has been acquired for a new fire station at Lanesborough. I hope the Minister of State will look favourably upon the extension of Longford town fire station and a site is being pursued at present for a fire station at Mostrum, County Longford. It is too important to life——

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