Fine Gael is calling for action to be taken on a register of builders who are responsible for substandard and unsafe homes.

Senator Mary Seery Kearney said those responsible for building homes with poor and inadequate fire safety measures should be prevented from future work until they repair and redress their previous errors.

In the Seanad, Senator Seery Kearney said she is in constant contact with apartment owners who have been or are being obliged to pay out exorbitant fees to rectify these substandard fire safety provisions in their complexes and who are already paying mortgages for homes they thought were safe.

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"A defects working group was established under the Housing Department, but the terms of reference are not yet agreed.

"I have sat and listened to parents talk about how they fear for the safety of their children when they are putting them to bed at night; if there is a fire, will they get out in time? Will they be protected?

"Homeowners are completely innocent in this situation. I believe there has been criminal behaviour by builders who knowingly cut corners. There was also a failure in enforcement of building regulations and standards.

"We need the Housing Minister to intervene with the Working Group and ensure that a terms of reference for redress is established that addresses the needs of these home owners."