Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

It is a matter for Dublin City Council to enforce the regulations, and that is what it is doing. The issue is before the courts, and I cannot intervene in law. I will not break the law for anybody. I am keeping a close watch on developments in the courts but I cannot intervene at this stage.

A robust system of building control exists, and that is demonstrated by the Priory Hall case where the local authority is successfully using its powers, although I accept not fast enough. I would like to see the regulations implemented much more quickly and appropriately but when we are in a court situation to ensure that ultimately people get their rights, it is very difficult. It is unfortunate that the defective work carried out by the builder is responsible for the fact that we have residents in the traumatic situation in which they find themselves, through no fault of theirs. I assure the Deputy that when the court proceedings are concluded I will be taking a more active role to see what we can do to assist Dublin City Council, and the residents in particular who are the people of whom we are most mindful, and that we will be in a position to move but I hope that the court proceedings would end quickly.

Regarding the pyrite problem, the Deputy is aware of the panel I established and I understand she met the panel. I appreciate that she did that and gave them the benefit of her expertise and experience, and outlined some of the cases with which she is dealing. I expect to get a report from the panel chaired by Mr. Tuohy in January.

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