Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)

I wish to raise the issue of building standards and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government's proposed amendments of the building regulations. The property boom of the past ten years has resulted in a dramatic fall in the building standard of our properties. We have all seen the dangers that arise from cases like Priory Hall and I am sure that there are similar cases throughout Ireland. We have houses that are not properly insulated, sound proofed or structurally sound and the wrong materials were used in construction, including pyrite. We also have buildings with insufficient fire prevention standards and generally shoddy standards. The cost of the lax system of building regulation over the past decade is now beginning to show. We must strengthen building standards to ensure that we are building in a sustainable manner and that we never repeat the mistakes of the past. I am working with a number of architects on proposals to improve the manner in which we build our homes and buildings.

I call on the House to debate the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government's proposed amendments to the building regulations. The ramifications of the changes are in the interest of every property owner and I call for a debate.

When will the Coroners Bill be introduced in the House?