asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the growing practice on the part of builders of private houses to insert in building contracts a clause which limits the liability of the builders for such structural defects as may appear within a very short period of the completion of such houses, and which obliges purchasers of the houses to accept such a clause in lieu of any other rights at common law or by statute; and if, in view of the fact that this practice operates against the public interest and is open to abuse, he will take steps to refuse payment of State building grants in respect of houses built under such restrictions and to introduce legislation to invalidate such restrictive clauses in all building agreements in respect of private houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housebuilding Contracts.
33.
Mr. Ryan
As regards the first part of the question, I wish to refer to the replies given to similar questions by the Deputy and Deputy Mullen on 10th and 11th instant. As to the second part, I would not feel justified in refusing to pay State grants in the circumstances suggested. As to the final part of the question, the promotion of legislative proposals affecting the law of contract would not be my responsibility.