Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1024. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider the introduction of a national trade licensing system for construction workers and contractors, similar to the model used in Australia, to enhance accountability, safety, and quality assurance across the building industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58346/25]

Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1049. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider the introduction of a national trade licensing system for construction workers and contractors, similar to the model used in Australia, to enhance accountability, safety, and quality assurance across the building industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58758/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1024 and 1049 together.

A statutory register for construction in Ireland is being established in line with the requirements of the Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 - www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2022/act/15/enacted/en/html. The main objective of the Act is to develop and promote a culture of competence, good practice and compliance with the Building Regulations in the construction sector. This will benefit consumers and the general public.

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) was appointed in January 2023 as the statutory registration body for the register, which will be known as Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI). The registration body has delegated responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance of the register within the parameters set out in the Act.

CIRI will operate in a similar way to statutory registration schemes for other professions. An Admissions and Registration Board was appointed in September 2023 and an Appeals Committee will be established shortly.

It is expected that registration for the initial divisions will commence in 2026. The first division required to register will likely be builders of housing schemes and apartments. Registration for various trades will happen subsequently.