Vol. 519 No. 7
31 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has for the registration or licensing of builders and building contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14750/00]
The 1997 report of the strategic review committee on the construction industry included a recommendation for a registration system for building contractors and sub-contractors. The report recommended that an independent body be established by the construction industry to administer the system.
In December 1999 the Forum for the Construction Industry submitted an interim report setting out preliminary proposals for the registration of contractors, the implementation of which would require legislation to protect the title of registered contractor.
I accept the forum's proposals, in principle, subject to a number of modifications which are principally designed to enhance the coverage and independence of the registration system, in the interest of consumer protection. My Department conveyed my views to the forum in February 2000. I recently wrote to the chairman of the forum requesting a response by mid-June 2000.
