Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2025
253. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to compensation to individuals who are subject to‘cowboy’ builders under the Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36810/25]
View answerThe main objective of the Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 is to develop and promote a culture of competence, good practice and compliance with the building regulations in the construction sector which will benefit consumers and the general public.
The Act provides for the establishment of a statutory register of competent providers of building works. Mandatory regulation is necessary to protect the public from the risks posed by defective buildings as it is the only way to ensure that builders can only take on work they are competent to complete and registered to undertake. Competence can be demonstrated and eligibility for registration can be achieved through qualifications or experience or a combination of both.
The Act provides for complaints against registered builders to be made on a number of grounds – in particular in relation to an entity providing building services in a category in which they are not registered. It provides for a range of proportionate sanctions to be imposed after investigation. Complaints in relation to building regulations will continue to be dealt with under the Building Control Act. Sanctions for non compliance with Building Regulations will be accordance with the provisions in that Act.
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) was appointed in January 2023 as the statutory registration body for the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI). The registration body have delegated responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance of the register within the parameters set out in the Act.
