Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects to publish draft proposals regarding proposed changes to the building regulations and in particular part B - fire safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17390/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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My Department, in conjunction with the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB), has commenced a full review of Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document B – Fire Safety (2006). An initial public consultation process, which commenced in November 2011 and closed in February 2012, gave rise to a total of 44 submissions from a wide variety of stakeholders. A workshop for stakeholders was also held last January. Officials from my Department are currently examining the comments received from both of these pre-consultation processes to ensure that all relevant matters are addressed in the full review.

It is anticipated that a full public consultation will be announced before the end of this year to seek comments on draft regulations and the associated draft technical guidance document. The draft proposals will be accompanied by a regulatory impact assessment. In addition, my Department is currently finalising new draft Building Control Regulations which will require the provision of mandatory certification and the submission of drawings by builders and the developers of buildings. These measures will have the capacity to improve the quality of buildings and will lead to a further strengthening of the building control system. The draft Building Control (Amendment) Regulations will be the subject of a public consultation to be announced in mid-April 2012.