Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 635: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will add additional consumer representation to the Building Regulations Advisory Body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27548/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Section 14 of the Building Control Act 1990 provides for the establishment of the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB) to advise me on matters relating to the Building Regulations.

The BRAB is comprised of nominated representatives of key construction industry stakeholders (both private and public sectors) and includes a member nominated by the National Consumer Agency. It provides expert advice on proposed changes to Building Regulations and has no executive function. Building Regulations are subject to ongoing review by my Department, working in conjunction with the BRAB. All proposed changes to the Building Regulations must also be subjected to public consultation and a rigorous Regulatory Impact Analysis before being signed into law. Every reasonable effort is made, and will continue to be made, to ensure that the broadest possible range of interests, not least those of the consumer, is included in the ongoing review of the regulations.