Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012
496 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the number of submissions received in the public consultation for the draft Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012; the steps he proposes to take in response to the submissions received and when he hopes to enact these regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36252/12]
View answerI am determined to fulfil my commitment to provide for mandatory certification and the submission of drawings which I have previously highlighted as key reforms necessary to improve the quality of buildings and to further strengthen the regulatory regime. The public consultation process in relation to the proposed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations concluded on 24 May 2012 and a total of 503 submissions were received by my Department. The Department is currently reviewing all submissions received with a view to producing a final set of regulations for signature into law. In line with standard arrangements my Department continues to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the new regulatory regime will be clearly understood by all concerned and can work well in practice. In particular, as indicated during the public consultation process, a Code of Practice for persons assigned to inspect and certify construction works is currently being prepared in consultation with industry stakeholders and will be available in advance of the implementation of the proposed regulations.
The work outlined above is receiving priority attention in my Department and I anticipate being in a position to conclude the process in the coming months.
