Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding building regulations. [32666/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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A robust system of building control exists and this is demonstrated by the Priory Hall situation where the local authority is successfully using its powers to make the appropriate party responsible.

I attach high priority to consumer protection in the area of quality construction of new dwellings. That is why, in July 2011, I announced a number of measures to be advanced by my Department and local authorities with a view to improving compliance with, and oversight of, the requirements of the Building Regulations. In broad terms the measures will involve:-

(a) the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers of buildings confirming that the statutory requirements of the Building Regulations have been met;

(b) more efficient pooling of building control staff and resources across the local authority sector to ensure more effective and meaningful oversight of building activity;

(c) standardised approaches and common protocols to ensure nationwide consistency in the administration of building control functions; and

(d) better support and further development of the building control function nationwide.

The Building Regulations are prepared by my Department, which receives relevant advice and recommendations from the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB), a statutory body established under the Building Control Act 1990. Membership of the BRAB is comprised of nominees from both the public and private sectors, several of whom are qualified engineers, and a member of which is nominated by the National Consumer Agency. Legislation referred to in the correspondence in question is in fact relevant to the sale of construction related products and services. The mandatory certification and improved inspection arrangements outlined above are key reforms which, I believe, will have the capacity to improve the quality of buildings and will lead to further strengthening of the regulatory regime as early as possible in 2012.