Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
266. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will investigate the potential systemic misuse of public funds under the help-to-buy and first home schemes (details supplied); the clawback and auditing mechanisms in place when a developer is found to have secured State funds based on a legally defective certificate of compliance on completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38515/26]
View answerThe primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. Enforcement of the Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations is delegated under the Building Control Act to the local building control authorities (i.e. the 31 local authorities) who are independent in the exercise of their statutory powers.
In relation to the First Home Scheme, it should be noted that ownership of the property primarily rests with the private purchaser and the conveyancing is handled by the purchaser’s solicitor. It is a matter for the purchaser and their legal advisor to ensure that the certificate of compliance for the property purchased meets all legal requirements.
The Help to Buy scheme comes under the remit of Revenue and the Department of Finance.
