asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the action he proposes to take to raise the quality of timber used in the building industry.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Building Industry Materials.
19.
Mr. Leonard
The quality of timber used in the building industry is primarily a matter for the Minister for the Environment.
The forest products department of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, which is under the aegis of my Department, engages in timber product testing and provides timber consultancy services. These services include the drawing up of specifications for better quality timber and timber use in the building industry. In this connection, the IIRS are currently undertaking quality assurance schemes for all timber and timber components used in new housing schemes by a number of local authorities.
In addition, the institute have published a number of Irish standards for timber products.
Mr. Leonard
Will the Minister accept that there is clear evidence of the poor quality of doors, windows and facias installed perhaps two or three years ago and now in a state of decay? Will he accept the need for quality control to protect the consumer?
My only responsibility is with regard to the IIRS who engage in timber product testing and provide a standards consultancy service. Quality assurance schemes in relation to all timber and timber components used in new housing are currently being undertaken for local authorities such as Dublin Corporation, Dublin County Council, Limerick County Council, Galway County Council, Mayo County Council and the National Building Agency. This is by far the biggest area of timber consumption and over 2,500 houses were monitored in 1982 by the IIRS. The quality of timber used in the building industry is primarily a matter for the Minister for the Environment.
Mr. Leonard
Despite the regulations laid down, will the Minister not accept that the timber being used in local authority houses lasts only a few years and that there is need for quality control and consumer protection?
I fully accept that there is a need for quality control. I would hope that all agencies would use the services of the IIRS to ensure that standards are established and maintained in regard to timber products.
Mr. Leonard
Will the Minister direct county councils to avail of this service so that tenant purchasers will be protected?
I have not the responsibility of directing local authorities in that regard. It is a matter for the Minister for the Environment and I will bring the Deputy's comments to his attention.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.