Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy noted, I do not have direct responsibility for this matter, although I have responsibility for policy. While the Fire Safety Acts and their implementation are matters for each fire authority, we continue to be in touch with local authorities about this very important issue.

I have taken a number of initiatives this year with regard to problems in certain developments, albeit not on the scale of Priory Hall, which is a matter that is in the course of being resolved under the direction and chairmanship of Dr. Martin McAleese. I expect local authorities to continue to use all of the powers available to them to address serious building defects.

Earlier in 2013 I signed into law the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2013, which will enter into force on 1 March 2014. The Deputy will note the considerable opposition to my efforts in this regard from professional bodies. My objective is to ensure implementation of that to which people sign up and I am empowering the professionals to ensure this takes place. The new regulations are designed to ensure competence and professionalism become part and parcel of building projects generally. They will usher in a new era of quality in the construction industry.

The Department continues to liaise closely with key industry stakeholders with a view to ensuring the new statutory requirements are fully understood and will work well in practice. In this context, we have had six versions of a code of practice for architects. I am frequently criticised for failing to consult. One would not have six versions of a document unless one was engaged in consultations, the purpose of which is to ensure the code of practice is implemented. My Department continues to consult professional groups to ensure they fully understand the measures ub the building control regulations will be implemented from 1 March 2014 onwards. We are not changing the legislation but the manner in which it is implemented.

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