Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Phelan, for a comprehensive reply. The positives in this are that we are taking a much more hands on approach in managing and regulating builders compared to the complete and total light touch regulation that existed prior to, and during, the last economic boom. That is good and it is reassuring for people who, in good faith, hire a contractor to build a home. Of course the problem now is that contractors, who are prepared to build one off houses, are few and far between because a lot of our builders unfortunately emigrated and have made lives for themselves abroad. I thank the Minister of State for that reply, which I will study. I will bring it back to Clare County Council which passed a motion that there should be a redress scheme. I have no doubt we will have a further engagement on this important matter in due course.