Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
242. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage which companies must secure Agrément certification; must subcontractors secure this certification to supply to other companies; the process involved in securing certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49213/23]
View answerAs Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage I have responsibility for the Building Regulations that set out the minimum legal requirements for the construction of new buildings and certain works to existing buildings.
Part D (Material and Workmanship) of the Building Regulations sets out an overarching requirement that all works are carried out using proper materials, which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used.
The process of Agrément certification applies to those products and processes which do not fall within the scope of existing construction standards, either because they are innovative or because they deviate from established norms. NSAI Agrément assesses, specifies testing, and where appropriate, issues Agrément certificates confirming that new building products, materials, techniques and equipment are safe and fit for purpose in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations and with the terms of the certificate.
The primary responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment. For further details on the process involved in securing certification refer to www.nsai.ie/certification/agrement-certification/.
