Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I completely agree with Deputy Broughan in the context of his concerns regarding families and people, young and old, who have been discommoded. I am aware that there has been a particular impact on young children and senior residents. I understand that there are some 96 senior citizens involved.

The High Court has ordered that the families be accommodated at the place at which they are currently staying. I have not been briefed with regard to how the accommodation in question was selected. If people are unhappy with the accommodation in which they have been placed, they should, in the first instance, raise their concerns with Dublin City Council, which, I presume, was asked by the court to provide this facility and house the families in question.

Notwithstanding all the awful events that have occurred, the regulations are being changed. The Government and the Minister, Deputy Hogan, gave a commitment to the effect that they would be reassessed and this is happening. As a result, we will move from a position where self-certification applies to one where there will be a mandatory obligation on builders and others in respect of certification. They will have to stand over and conform to all requirements. This will not be opinion but fact. In other words, professional bonds and insurance will be on the line.

What has happened is totally unacceptable and the Minister and the Government are ensuring that, although only in office a short time, the regulations will be changed. There must be widespread consultation and there will be mandatory certification, which in future will ensure this can never happen again. I sympathise fully with all the upset families.

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