Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I have not come to any conclusions about how the system will work. There are a few principles. The builder and owner of the property, who are professional people, are responsible in the first instance for making sure everything is in order under the Building Control Act 1990. With mandatory certification local authority staff will be in a better position to have more power and resources in order to implement the standards. At a time of finite resources I do not want to mislead the Deputy. I will revert to him on whether we have the adequate resources to ensure we have full compliance with all the new developments.

I am concerned that there may be other developments, apart from Priory Hall, we need to tackle. We will tackle them and court proceedings will take place if necessary to bring all of the people who have been so irresponsible in dealing with these buildings, the construction of which has left unfortunate homeowners and tenants high and dry, to justice.

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