Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the options available to a person (details supplied). [18042/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The national Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the construction of buildings, including apartments. The related Technical Guidance Documents (TGD) provide technical guidance on how to comply with the Regulations.

The Building Control Act 1990 clearly and unambiguously assigns responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Building Regulations to the owners, designers and builders of the buildings involved. Under the 1990 Act, local building control authorities are empowered to monitor buildings for compliance with the Building Regulations, and to take enforcement action where appropriate.

The resolution of any problems arising between home owners and their builders are ultimately matters for resolution between the parties concerned - the homeowner, the relevant developer and the builder's insurer. Where the purchase of a new apartment is the subject of a contract between the client and the developer/builder, enforcement of this contract is a civil matter.