Communities minister Gordon Lyons yesterday confirmed that the Executive had approved the proposed Defective Premises Bill, which will “bring Northern Ireland into line with England and Wales”.

The move follows the High Court’s ruling that owners of Belfast’s luxury Victoria Square apartments, a stone’s throw from the Royal Courts of Justice, were not entitled to compensation because Northern Ireland law only provides for a six-year window following construction in which claims can be brought.

Mr Lyons said the bill “will be brought before the Assembly at the earliest opportunity, at which time I will seek agreement to take the bill through the Assembly under the accelerated passage procedure”.

He added: “When I raised this matter in the Assembly chamber earlier this month, I said I recognised the importance of this legislation and its potential to impact many people right across Northern Ireland.

“I am confident that we can make the desired progress on this issue, but getting it done quickly is dependent on the continued support and consent of the Assembly and the Executive.

“As we move the bill through the various stages, I hope that I can count on that support as we continue to take this forward.”