Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 510: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the large number of people who buy homes off plans and pay a deposit at this early stage; if he is satisfied there is adequate protections for consumers in terms of the development being as described, the completion of the house being to a proper standards, the commitment to deal with snag-lists efficiently resolved and so on; and his views on an initiative with the industry to ensure that high standards are maintained which is important for both the consumer and the long-term reputation of the building sector. [42989/06]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied persons who buy homes from plans published by developers are sufficiently protected in law and in practice from the home turning out to be different than described in view of a cavalier attitude by builders to the snag list and concealed conditions in terms of the cost of management company fees and so on; and if he will review with the CIF the codes to protect buyers in this situation and the case for tighter protection. [42332/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 510 and 517 together.

Property purchase transactions are subject to private contract and buyers should ensure that they have adequate legal advice and information when signing contracts. While my Department has no statutory function in relation to the content of contracts, I am anxious to promote the interests of home buyers as far as possible and with that in view, my Department engages with the industry, as appropriate, in relation to voluntary codes of practice. The Department is currently pursuing certain matters in that regard, including possible measures to address some issues relating to residential property management. There has been a positive response from the industry and I am hopeful of early progress.

The Government legislation programme provides for the publication in 2007 of a Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill, which is being developed by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform based on recommendations in this area by the Auctioneering/ Estate Agency Review Group and the Law Reform Commission. I understand that it is proposed to include provision in this legislation for the licensing of auctioneers, estate agents and property managing agents and that there is also likely be provision for regulations relating to advertising, deposits and certain other matters relating to property sale and contracts.