Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Again, I thank Deputy Broughan for his comments and I assure him I will bring them to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and also to the Department. He has raised important points that are not part of the briefing I was given but nevertheless they represent the deep concerns of the Deputy and other public representatives, and of the community of Priory Hall in general who have been put at a very serious disadvantage as a result of all these issues.

It is important, however, that the independence of conciliation process chaired by Mr. Justice Finnegan is respected. We all accept that. The Minister recently released, for public consultation, proposed new building control regulations which will provide, first, for the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers of buildings confirming that the statutory requirements of the building regulations have been met and, second, for the lodgment of drawings, at both commencement and completion of construction, demonstrating how the building has been designed and built to comply with all parts of the regulations.

The closing date for submissions is 24 May 2012. Mandatory certification and lodgment of drawings are key reforms which will have the capacity to improve the quality of buildings and lead to the further strengthening of the regulatory regime in 2012. These reforms are necessary if we are to ensure that a situation like that in Priory Hall can be avoided in future.

I reiterate that all the Deputy's views will be brought to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and to the Department. If there is any further information that can be shared with him that will be done.

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