Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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670. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the cost of the Millfield Manor fire defects report; and the estimated costs associated with remediation of same. [31284/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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In July 2015, the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government directed that a review be undertaken by an independent fire expert to develop a framework for general application, in the interest of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise. A Steering Group was convened to oversee the review.

The independent fire safety expert procured, has completed his review and a report on the matter has been received by my Department from the Chairman of the Steering Group. The report remains under consideration pending clarification of a number of legal issues at which point it is intended that the necessary arrangements for publication will be made.

The cost of the review was €34,905. The contracting authority for this report was Kildare County Council and the costs were recouped in full by Kildare County Council from my Department.

It is important to note that my Department has no general statutory role in resolving defects in privately owned buildings nor does it have a budget for such matters.

In general, building defects are matters for resolution between the contracting parties involved: the homeowner, the builder, the developer and/or their respective insurers, structural guarantee or warranty scheme. In this regard, it is incumbent on the parties responsible for poor workmanship and/or the supply of defective materials to face up to their responsibilities and take appropriate action to provide remedies for the affected homeowners.