Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak to this important and comprehensive motion on building control and regulations. I thank and commend my colleagues in the ULA and my other Independent colleagues for supporting this Private Members' motion, but importantly also for putting forward proposals and solutions that are sensible for householders and families. The manner in which many families have been treated is an absolute disgrace, in particular those in Priory Hall and also those families affected by pyrite problems in their homes. We all know people directly affected. After today I hope we will see action from the Government on the issue but we must also see action on the part of relevant stakeholders such as banks, developers and builders.

The motion deals comprehensively with the problems that have occurred in the construction industry as a result of the lack of adequate regulation and inspection and calls for a proper system of inspection in the future with the independent clerk of works function restored on building sites and improved regulation.

The motion also calls on the State to take responsibility for a programme of remedial works in all areas where homes have been damaged such as Priory Hall, pyrite-ridden dwellings and developments with fire safety issues as a result of lack of inspection and regulation. This is the core of the debate and these are the principles involved.

The motion is an important one for home owners, including some of our constituents, who are experiencing the nightmare of living in structurally defective and potentially dangerous homes. Most are paying large mortgages for the privilege of living in such conditions. While I welcome the proposed new regulations in this regard, there is no proposal on dealing with existing damage, which would be essential.

Home owners have waited a long time for these serious issues to be addressed and time is running out, as a number of Ministers mentioned last night. The Government has been in office for nearly a year and a half. It should get on with the job and look after the people in question. The longer the issues are left unchecked, the worse the deterioration becomes and the greater the likelihood of an accident occurring. I urge all representatives in the House to support this motion.

A block of flats in Coolock in my constituency is experiencing significant fire safety issues. We all know of the Priory Hall case - every Deputy supports its residents - as well as pyrite cases, but other areas deserve our total support.

The motion contains three key demands. First, building control should be a wholly public function. It should be adequately staffed by competent building inspectors and involve inspections of all buildings that require commencement notices. Approval should be required at all key stages of construction and costs should be incorporated into planning contributions. The Government should not claim that it is not receiving ideas from the Opposition.

Second, there should be a systematic and thorough inspection regime across the State to detect fire hazards as a result of inadequate regulation or non-compliance with such regulations as exist. Third, the Government, having failed to implement building controls and allowed substandard and defective building practices throughout the State, must accept responsibility for remedial works to make buildings safe and fit for purpose as part of an emergency programme of necessary public works and, where possible, pursue the responsible developers and builders to recoup the cost to the State. These are sensible proposals.

We must face the reality that much of this is down to people not doing their jobs adequately. Where pyrite is concerned, people were misled and some of those working on sites could not have known. However, the question of human error must be addressed. Certain standards must be maintained. I have friends who are electricians, builders and plumbers. When they heard these stories, they were flabbergasted that anyone would let through work of that standard regardless of inspections. Even where a person is getting a small job done in his or her house, for example, in a utility room, certain standards must be met. The majority of plumbers, electricians and bricklayers agree that poor work is unacceptable.

Cowboy operators must be challenged. I urge every Deputy to read this motion, which sets out a number of ideas. For God's sake, the Government should do something for the families of Priory Hall and for those affected by pyrite problems.

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