Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 509: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will give details of the number of housing inspectors in his Department; the number of housing inspectors who have been transferred to other duties within the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1839/12]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 575: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if 16 inspectors attached to his Department to inspect new houses under the Building Control Act are being transferred to other duties; the reasons for transferring these officials in view of the reports that in some local authority areas only 20% of new builds are inspected and the historical inadequacies of building control regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1327/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 575 together.

In accordance with the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2007, responsibility for the oversight of construction activity, including the enforcement of the Building Regulations, is a matter for each local authority in relation to its own functional area. My responsibility, as Minister, is to ensure that appropriate statutory requirements, technical standards and administrative provisions are put in place in relation to the Act. In this regard, I announced a number of measures in July, 2011 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) the lodgement of drawings at both commencement and completion of construction, demonstrating how the building has been designed and built to comply with all parts of the Building Regulations;

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

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

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

The Departmental inspectors referred to in the Questions have no formal role in relation to the Building Control Acts. The duties of the inspectorate included the issuance of Floor Area Compliance Certificates (FACCs) for dwelling units which qualified for a concession on stamp duty under the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999. However, the demand for FACCs no longer exists following the granting of a general exemption from stamp duty to first time buyers.

Of a total complement of 34 in the Housing Inspectorate in my Department, 1 has recently retired and 1 has transferred to the Office of Public Works. 14 of the remaining inspectors have been made available for redeployment to other duties and areas of business in the context of overall public service reform and the Croke Park Agreement. My Department continues to retain an appropriate level of technical expertise necessary to support the determination of public policy in relation to housing and planning matters.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 510: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if anything else can be done to assist the residents of Priory Hall, Dublin; if he will make this an urgent matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1809/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 570: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will meet with representatives of the residents of Priory Hall, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1311/12]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 589: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding Priory Hall, Dublin; the hope these unfortunate residents have for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1520/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 510, 570 and 589 together.

The legal proceedings in relation to Priory Hall are continuing and it would be inappropriate to anticipate their conclusion. The overriding priority is to ensure the optimum outcome for the households concerned and to facilitate as early as possible a return to their homes. In this respect it will be necessary to ensure that these homes are made fit for purpose and that the costs of so doing fall where they should. I have asked Dublin City Council to do all within its powers to achieve this objective and have asked my Department to continue to liaise closely with Dublin City Council in this regard.

Dublin City Council is the designated authority with powers to enforce the statutory requirements arising under the Fire Safety Act, the Building Control Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which are at issue in relation to Priory Hall. The Council is also the designated housing authority under the Housing Acts. My responsibility, as Minister, is to ensure that appropriate statutory requirements, technical standards and administrative provisions are put in place under the relevant legislation. This responsibility has been fulfilled and is not in dispute.

I have no role in relation to enforcement activity or in relation to the direct provision of housing services. Residents at Priory Hall and their representatives have previously been advised of this standing division of responsibilities. In the circumstances I do not think it would be appropriate for me to meet with the residents at this point. Dublin City Council has made commendable efforts to provide for the needs of residents to date, and I urge the Council to continue to meet and communicate with the residents and to take all reasonable steps to support them at this difficult and vulnerable time.