asked the Minister for Local Government whether any legislation or regulations exist controlling the terms of builders' contracts; whether he is aware that in many cases private builders' contracts contain clauses grossly unfair to the house-purchaser who, owing to the present demand for houses, is powerless to object to such clauses; and whether he will investigate the present situation with regard to building contracts for private houses with a view to ensuring that contracts are drawn up in a fair manner.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Builders' Contracts.
16.
There are no special provisions in the housing code for the control of contracts for the erection of private dwellings. Such contracts are subject to the same general principles as those contained in the general law of contract and, in this connection, I would refer to the reply yesterday to a question by Deputy Ryan. As to the allegation regarding some private builders' contracts, it is clear that, as in the case of any other transaction involving contractual liability, the onus is on the parties to the contract to have proper technical and legal advice before committing themselves.