James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Will the Minister consider having discussions with senior planners in various local authorities? I am greatly concerned about the tastes of particular planners. In some parts of the country, a view is held that those building new houses should install smaller or narrower windows. Recently, I was brought into a house and shown a window forced on a couple. The window is a fire hazard. This should not be the case. Broad guidelines should be in place on the size and quality of windows installed in public buildings in the interests of the safety of the public.

This issue must be addressed with a degree of urgency. In one part of the country, planners want large windows and in another area, they want small windows. It does not make sense. The Minister's taste and mine may differ in this regard. I may be keen on a large window while the Minister's taste may be for a smaller one. The safety of the structure should be paramount.