asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange for more satisfactory final inspection of dwellings at Ballymun, Dublin before tenants are admitted so as to avoid recurrence of complaints of defective and incomplete work.

I am informed that the procedure and standard of supervision, inspection and certification of dwellings followed by the National Building Agency, Ltd. in the respect of this contract in no way differs from that on any large local authority housing scheme. No instance of incompleted work in finished dwellings has been established. Minor defects have shown up after occupancy of dwellings and this is a normal feature of any housing scheme. The volume of such complaints is in no way abnormal.

It is not mentioned, though, that allocations in the top flat of the tower buildings at Ballymun have been held up for a considerable period, and in fact for months. Has it not meant that——

That is a different matter. That arises from the fact that Dublin Corporation changed their mind about the design.

What about the windows in the kitchens?

There are no windows in the kitchens.

That is a completely different matter.

Was it not said openly that the top flats were letting in the rain? Can they be blamed for that?

Does all this not indicate the necessity for having another look at this type of building? It would be a very good idea in favour of going back to conventional building.

It is 18 months behind the time.

There are some people who do not want to see that type of building going ahead.

And apparently the builders do not.

17.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether Dublin Corporation or the National Building Agency is responsible for repairing defects in dwellings at Ballymun, Dublin.

The contractors for this project are bound by the normal provision of a defects liability period, and the National Building Agency requires remedial action in appropriate cases.

Could the Minister say what is the normal period?

For ordinary people, or for the Government?

Twelve months.

18.

asked the Minister for Local Government what is being done about defects which have been reported to the National Building Agency and Dublin Corporation by tenants at Shangan Gardens, Balcurris Gardens and elsewhere in the new scheme at Ballymun, Dublin.

Any report of defective workmanship received by the National Building Agency is investigated and, where appropriate, the Agency requires remedial action by the contractors under the terms of the contract.

Could the Minister say how many reports of defective work have been received by the Building Agency from the Ballymun Tenants Association?

It can be defective design, too.

Could the Minister say whether the tenants in this scheme are aware as to whom they should apply in connection with these sites?

They have been pushed around.

They are being pushed around from Billy to Jack.

We will try to clear that matter up.

19.

asked the Minister for Local Government why the staircases in 37 Balcurris Gardens, Ballymun, Dublin and in other houses have not been completed; and what action is being taken on this matter.

The staircase in this house is in accordance with the approved design and is not, therefore, uncompleted work. No alteration in the design is proposed.