John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

It is essential that those who have full architectural qualifications would be acknowledged, but equally, people who have practical experience of working in the business over many years should also be acknowledged. There will be an opportunity for further discussion in that regard.

An area of particular concern to me has been that of enforcement in planning. While there has been an improvement in local authorities, there is still not enough enforcement among the local authorities with which I deal. There is not enough follow-up by planning departments to ensure adherence to all of the conditions of planning.

I agree with the sentiments raised by Senator O'Toole and others in a Seanad debate six months or a year ago on the use of hollow blocks in construction. There is a compelling case for banning the use of hollow blocks in new developments. They are not used in most parts of the country but they are in certain areas, especially some parts of Dublin city.

We must extend the environmental grants scheme introduced 18 months ago. We must also examine installing solar panels in new housing developments. Some people suggest solar panels are not practical in Ireland but they should be included in Government buildings and civic facilities. Improvements have taken place but not enough has been done.

I welcome the Bill but we must examine the so-called grandfather category mentioned previously. The categorisation of houses based on the standards of insulation must also be addressed. There has been much poor development over the past 12 years in terms of insulation and architecture and perhaps this Bill is a case of locking the door after the horse has bolted. The Government can ensure that new developments will be much better than those over recent years.

I echo Senator Norris's comments on the recently constructed building. There have been shocking examples of apartments in the most unsuitable places. I come from south Kilkenny but my local town is New Ross, County Wexford. The Minister was born in County Wexford. Some of the apartments built in New Ross are examples of appalling planning, even worse than the bad planning in Dublin city. I welcome this Bill if it can ensure such bad design can be avoided. I may have a deeper discussion and table amendments on Committee Stage.