Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I assure the House of the Government’s commitment in respect of this important policy area of building defects, which is reflected in the programme for Government and in Housing For All. The Government is committed to dealing with the issue of defects in housing. In this regard, we will continue to drive regulation in the construction sector and more sustainable methods of construction in order to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

I am of the view that the issue of addressing defects in housing requires detailed consideration. The working group established by the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, is the most appropriate forum for considering the complex issues involved. As I have already mentioned, the working group's focus is on significant widespread fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. The working group continues to meet regularly in this regard. In its deliberations, the group is engaging with a range of interested parties including homeowners, public representatives and local authorities. Consultation with the relevant parties has commenced and further arrangements in this regard are currently being put in place. While I appreciate that the work may not be proceeding as fast as some stakeholders would wish, I am of the view that it is important that we give the working group time to undertake this work, as set out in the broader terms of reference I outlined earlier. The Minister looks forward to receiving the report of the working group on its deliberations.

I will take that request for the Minister to meet the residents back to him. It really is unacceptable that, having bought homes in good faith under an affordable housing scheme, they are now left with this awful legacy from that era.

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