Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Minister's assessment because practical experience is an issue that has repeatedly arisen before those of us who have worked in local authorities. Once upon a time I was told never to challenge a person on technical grounds only to discover that it is always safe to do so because by doing so one immediately hears where the practical and the technical meet — if they meet. I do not have a problem with these well-placed amendments.

My colleague, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, has largely dealt with this Bill and this may not be the right time to make this point but I will proceed. Building control guidelines are laid down in this Bill but I once read of a bridge in another country that collapsed because, as shown by a cube test, the concrete did not come up to scratch. This was the case despite the existence of relevant regulations and controls and this made me wonder whether adequate provision has been made in this Bill for ongoing assessment regarding the application of regulations to particular structures.

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