Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I join Senators Ormonde and Brian Hayes in calling for a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a view to developing standards in the building sector. I am concerned not only with apartment blocks in cities and towns, as there is a major problem with virtually all houses and apartment blocks currently being built. As a result of the construction industry boom, builders are moving to the next site before they properly finish the one on which they are working. Work of appallingly poor quality is being completed. The Government needs to review the building standards because a problem will arise within ten to 15 years. The current poor level of construction will lead to great difficulties with regard to maintaining property at a later stage.