Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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78. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the new building regulations the measures in place to regulate the professional fees of engineers retained by persons in the course of constructing their own homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24021/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The costs of construction activity and related professional services are determined by market forces and I am precluded by trade and competition law from introducing any measures which would interfere with the normal functioning of the market in that regard.

A number of cases have, however, been brought to my attention whereby consumers have been quoted exorbitant charges for professional services in relation to residential construction projects. I am concerned to ensure that in such cases the introduction of the new regulations is not exploited entirely inappropriately to quote for excessive services. While the new regulations will support improved competence and professionalism, which will provide additional work opportunities for competent practitioners and construction professionals, homeowners should not have to pay an inflated rate for excessive inspection services. In this regard, I have asked my Department as a matter of urgency in conjunction with the Housing Agency and the construction professional bodies, to prepare guidance on an appropriate inspection plan for a single, stand-alone dwelling. This will inform the market in relation to offering realistic and appropriately priced professional services for such work. I understand that the construction professional bodies are already well advanced in terms of providing similar guidance on this and other matters relevant to the new arrangements for building control. I have asked my Department to keep the issue under close and continuing review.