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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Dec 1986

Vol. 370 No. 6

Written Answers. - Building Materials.

22.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied with the level of certification of standards of building materials being imported into Ireland; if he is concerned at the amount of substandard material which is eroding the markets of Irish produced building materials; if he is concerned at the fact that £411 million worth of building materials were imported in 1984, whether further closures in the building materials industry are imminent unless action is taken; and if he will indicate the series of measures he proposes to take to deal with the problem.

The certification of standards of building materials is a matter for the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards which comes under the aegis of the Minister for Industry and Commerce.

In the case of works being financed either wholly or partly from public funds, which at present comprises 70 per cent of total building output, I am satisfied that the existing controls are adequate to ensure that, as far as possible, only building materials of a suitable standard are being used. Where works are financed privately, the decision as to the type and quality of materials to be used is a matter for the individual concerned subject, of course, to building by-law requirements where such by-laws are in force.

I am aware of the extent to which imported building materials are used. However, under EC regulations public authorities are prohibited from taking action which would discriminate against products manufactured in other member states of the European Community. The importance of ensuring that Irish manufacturers of building products are not discriminated against in public sector construction contracts has been brought to the notice of all public authorities, including State Departments, local authorities, health boards and semi-State bodies and they are well aware of my views in this regard.

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