Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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124. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on economical ways to create homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20412/16]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The Building Regulations 1997 to 2014 set out the minimum statutory requirements applicable to the design and construction of new buildings, extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings and are divided in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) are published to accompany each of the parts and provide guidance indicating how the requirements of that part can be achieved in practice. These TGDs can be freely accessed on my Department’s website at .

Part D of the Building Regulations deals with Materials and Workmanship and stipulates that all works are to be carried out with proper materials and in a workmanlike manner. It defines proper materials as those materials which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used.

The regulations do not prescribe the use of particular products but establish minimum performance requirements that the building or the construction works must achieve. It is open to any contractor to use prefabricated panels and other types of innovative products provided that they can demonstrate that the building complies with Part D and all other relevant parts of the Building Regulations.

In the context of social housing provision, local authorities must comply with the relevant EU and domestic legislative and policy requirements as outlined under the national and EU public

procurement regulations and the published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. My Department understands that the Office of Government Procurement is currently developing a Rapid Delivery Housing procurement Framework which will be available to any local authority wishing to procure rapid delivery housing for pressing accommodation needs.

Separate to procurement requirements, local authorities are also responsible for ensuring that housing units are designed and constructed in accordance with all relevant regulatory requirements including building control, fire safety and planning requirements.

I am satisfied that the procurement arrangements in place allow for the consideration of innovative products and systems wherever reasonable and appropriate. All procurement opportunities which receive 50% or more of their funding from public funds are advertised openly on www.etenders.gov.ie.

While my Department has a role in funding social housing projects, it has no role in relation to the procurement or management of individual projects; these are matters for the relevant contracting authorities.