While calling the The Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022 "long overdue", Sinn Féin representative Eoin Ó Broin confirmed his party will not oppose it when it is debated at second stage in the Dáil today, 20 January. Deputy Ó Broin has however highlighted that significant flaws in the legislation must be addressed.
"We do not believe that the register should be located in the Construction Industry Federation," said Deputy Ó Broin. "There must be a clear separation between the industry and the register. It should be in a state body such as the National Building Control Office.
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"Furthermore, there is no need for a two-year lead-in to the register. The register has existed on a voluntary footing since 2014 and there is no reason why all construction professionals should not be able to register this year.
"The investigation process, as detailed in the bill, is cumbersome and the sanctions are limited. Given how this state is living with a legacy of poor construction practices there should be a zero-tolerance approach to building control. We need to see tougher sanctions in place for breaches of building regulations.
"I will be submitting a range of amendments to try and strengthen this bill. We have been waiting a long time for governments to get their act together and introduce this construction register. It is important that we make it as robust as possible."
