Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not into speculative figures or figures off the top of one's head remarks. I am considering, in a qualified way, the type of categorisation that the panel put on the extent of the problem. It said there is between 850 to 1,000 homes in urgent need of remediation and that is what the scheme is about.

The quality of the built environment affects the quality of everyday life, as Senator Hayden said in particular. We must learn from past mistakes and show everyone that we do not want the type of problems that we have had with Priory Hall, unfinished estates or pyritic problems visited on people again. That is why I have taken many steps to put in place a more robust regulatory regime that will provide greater protection for the consumer.

As Senators will know, I signed the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2013 into law earlier this year. Some professionals do not want new regulation. All new building projects, commencing on and from 1 March 2014, when the new regulations take effect, will require design drawings and particulars to be lodged with the local building control authority. Inspections will take place during construction and they must be overseen by a registered construction professional. Also, certificates of compliance will be signed by the lead designer, the builder and the person we call the assigned certifier.

We believe that the numbers that we have identified are credible. We do not think the problem has been understated. We must remember that the scheme is restricted. As Senator Barrett rightly pointed out, taxpayer's money will be used to fund the scheme and, therefore, it cannot be open-ended.

With regard to Senator Darragh O'Brien, commercial properties are generally built under contract and the parties have recourse to enforcing the terms of the contract. An individual homeowner does not have the same redress.