Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

As the Minister of State knows, I have raised these issues before. He has indicated that the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance for builders and designers of buildings will confirm that statutory requirements of building regulations have been met. That will not mean anything unless there is on-site supervision 100% of the time by an independent authority. An engineer would not know what kind of steel went into a foundation unless he or she was present on the site to see it. The engineer would not know if the required amount of concrete was poured, if the damp-proof course went under the wall or if the fire stop went into the cavities or the openings. When there is an inspection once a week or once a fortnight, an inspector can only see what is visible and cannot see what has already been covered up. If we expect something worthwhile from an architect or engineer signing off, they should have an assistant on-site at all times if they cannot be there themselves. That assistant could vouch for what is being signed, as it would not count for anything otherwise.

There is no doubt that the lack of local authority control is a major issue. I know only too well that there was not enough personnel for the job and the people did not have enough time to get around. One might have had a visit from a building control person once during a two-year site contract. When a floor certificate is sought at the end of the job, the Department official checks only what he or she can see. That person will ask if certain elements have been included and the developer will always tell the person what should have gone in.

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