asked the Minister for Local Government if, having regard to the desirability of not permitting the erection of defective dwellinghouses, he will have steps taken to prevent the payment of State grants or local authority loans in respect of houses built in pursuance of building contracts containing clauses which deem such houses to be built of proper materials and in a workmanlike manner, not-withstanding the appearance of defects after the date of first occupation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defective Dwellinghouses.
18.
Payment of a State grant is made only when I am satisfied that the house has been erected in a proper and workmanlike manner, in accordance with the approved plans and specification and that any defects reported on inspection have been remedied. Defects occurring at a subsequent date are a matter for the owner of the house and payment of a grant involves no warranty on my part as to the works carried out, or the structural soundness of the house. The detailed administration of their house purchase loan schemes is a matter for the housing authorities. It is their responsibility to take such action as they may consider necessary to safeguard their mortgage by satisfying themselves that houses in respect of which loans are made are built of proper materials and in a workmanlike manner.
Is the Minister aware that in the case of at least one development in the county, no guarantee is given now after a period of six months for new houses? There is no retention, and any defects that appear after the key has been handed up are the responsibility of the person who buys the house?
Is this private development?
Private development.
I am not so aware.
That is a recent development in the building industry here.
I am not aware of that development here.