Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has called for Government ‘to take immediate steps to properly resource our building products surveillance regime’ after the European Commission announced a new infringement procedure against Ireland for failing to have a proper building products surveillance regime.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“The decision by the European Commission to open a new infringement procedure against Ireland for its failure to properly inspect and regulate building products comes as no surprise.

“Despite the ongoing defective concrete block scandal, Government has made no changes to our building products surveillance regime.

“While the National Building Control Office was given the responsibility for surveillance of building products it has not been given the staff or resources to undertake this job.

“The defective concrete block scandal will cost the taxpayer at least €2.5billion. We need to ensure that a scandal like this never happens again.

“This means we need a fully independent inspection and enforcement regime for all building materials.

“Government must move urgently to agree a multi annual resource and workforce plan with the NBCO and Local Authority Building Control sections to ensure we are in full; compliance with EU law and more importantly that the materials used to build peoples homes meet the standards set in Irish and European legislation.

“Significant credit must go to the defective home campaigners in Donegal, Mayo, Clare and other counties for highlighting the Government’s failures at an EU level. Now it is time for Government to act.”