Vol. 513 No. 1
74 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason the standards of construction and finish specified for local authority rental houses and apartments are not required, as a minimum, for speculative private dwelling construction. [1566/00]
My Department lays down no specific standard of construction for local authority houses other than that the form of construction used should comply with the building regulations. These regulations lay down the same minimum standards for both new local authority and private dwellings, whether rented or owner occupied. Part D of the regulations requires that works shall be carried out with proper materials and in a workmanlike manner. The regulations specify performance standards to be achieved, but are not generally prescriptive as to the detailed form of construction, including finishes.
Does the Minister accept that no housing authority worth its salt would build a new housing scheme using eight or nine inch cavity blocks given that most of them stipulate that the method of construction involved should be twin insulated walling? This is the chosen methodology of all housing authorities because it is regarded as providing a much more superior form of insulation. Is the Minister concerned that an inferior form of construction is being adopted wholesale, particularly in the Dublin market where young couples pay more than £160,000 to buy a house which does not comply with the stipulations laid down for public sector housing?
I reiterate that all housing must comply with Part D of the building regulations and the method of construction in Dublin or outside it, regardless of whether it is nine inch hollow blocks, must comply with the standards set down in the building regulations. There is no evidence to suggest that one method is in any way inferior to the other. Both are in compliance with the regulations, which are adhered to in Dublin and elsewhere.
The Minister informed the House 12 months ago that he intended to initiate a review of the building guidelines. What progress has been made? With the building of almost 50,000 new housing units last year and even more this year, does he accept that the issue of the standard of house construction is absolutely crucial if it is to be ensured that the agreements which were entered into by Ireland under the Kyoto Protocol are adhered to in terms of reducing CO2 gas emissions?
My reply to the parliamentary question 12 months ago in regard to technical guidance document 11 was that the review would take place in the Department in consultation with the building regulations advisory body. The deadline for its completion is mid-2000 and it is expected to be published before the end of the year. Phase 1 will become operational from 1 January 2002 and the deadline for phase 2 is 1 January 2006. That timescale will be adhered to.
Why is the Minister taking two to three years to determine new building methodologies for the construction industry given that so many houses are currently under construction? Will he state his preference for the construction method to be used in the building of new houses? Is he in favour of the nine inch hollow block?
I tend to leave everybody to do their own jobs.
That is the problem.
My preference does not have much relevance. I am concerned, as is the Deputy, to ensure that the highest standards pertain. The review of the regulations will be as long as I indicated because it is being done in full consultation with all interested parties – the construction industry, home builders, consumers and so on – and it is generally better that a standard should be reached on the basis of agreement. One is more likely to get adherence to it and this system has been in operation for some time. It is a good idea to continue and maintain that procedure to ensure there is full compliance. Apart from the technical guidance documents, a home bond scheme is in operation. Local authorities are responsible for the investigation of sub-standard work, which is another policing method.
