Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

I concur with the sentiments expressed by Deputy Brendan Ryan. I am appalled by the problems facing a large number of people as a result of faulty construction. Regrettably, the Priory Hall and Belmayne developments are not the only estates affected by these problems. We must do everything in our power to ensure faulty and inadequate housing is not built in the future. I refer specifically to apartments because where multiple dwellings are stacked together, as it were, a problem affecting one apartment will inevitably affect a series of other homes.

Having listened carefully to the Minister's contribution to last night's debate, I was heartened by his stated determination to ensure the practice of shoddy building will end. Whether it is caused by inadequate materials, shoddy workmanship, unsafe electrics or other factors, I will not rest easy until such practices cease. When all the consultations are carried out, it is really important that we come up with a system of rigorous building controls. For example, a clerk of works type system, operated by local authorities, ought to be established to ensure that each building is inspected at various stages of construction. If inadequacies are found, building construction must stop until the problems are rectified and only then should it be permitted to continue. Rogue builders should be blacklisted, struck off and unable to operate. I realise that not all builders behave like this. In my constituency, the developers of Adamstown have done an excellent job to put up decent housing and to provide services including schools and a railway station.

Some of the aspects of unsatisfactory construction relate to fire hazards, and therefore the Dublin city fire safety inspection service has been brought in. In one particular development, I am aware that the management committee was advised to be very careful with the questions they asked of the fire inspectors. That raises serious questions for me, and I ask the Minister to check out the operation of the Dublin city fire safety inspection service. It is really important that every building is safe from fire.

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