Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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12. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014; and his assessment of their effectiveness to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15622/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Following public concern with regard to the widespread failure to comply with regulatory requirements in the construction industry, S.I. No. 9 of 2014 was introduced with effect from 1 March 2014 to strengthen the arrangements in place by empowering competence and professionalism in the design and construction process and by requiring greater accountability in relation to compliance with Building Regulations. A credible framework is now in place for the oversight of construction activity and there are welcome signs that a new culture of compliance is developing, with the industry responding well to the new arrangements and Local Authorities taking steps to strengthen their capacity to monitor construction activity.

Prior to its introduction, a commitment was given that S.I. No. 9 of 2014 would be reviewed after its first twelve months in operation. This review was formally announced on 2 April 2014 and is currently open for public consultation. I am confident that a lot of learning will come through in the review that will allow me to refine and streamline the regulator y framework so that the building process can work effectively to serve the needs of both consumers and industry, while ensuring the quality of our future building stock.

The closing date for the receipt of submissions under the public consultation process is 15 May 2014. This will allow my Department to produce an early report on the matter with a view to ensuring that any changes deemed appropriate to the regulations will be effected as a matter of priority.