Mr. Paul Forde:

The Deputy's question was in two parts. One was whether I think the scheme is suitable and the second was about the inclusion of foundations. I will start with the second part first. I answered this question last year, and it is a pity that I am here a year later and I am still encouraging the NSAI to finish its review of IS 465. I said last year, I think in answer to Deputy Mac Lochlainn, that it is my belief that if there are problems with foundations, they will be sorted out. I am a professional engineer. I am a member of Mr. Owens's Engineers Ireland. If we are on a project, we will not walk away from a foundation problem. Whereas it is excluded from the costs and that is outside my remit, as a professional engineer, I would not certify something that is not right. My understanding is that the approach being adopted by the Housing Agency in rolling out the scheme is that while the Housing Agency-appointed engineer is assessing rising walls, the intention is to expose and examine foundations.

That is not a full answer because I cannot guarantee what will happen. As a professional engineer, I know what happens if we see a problem. My expectation would be that if the Housing Agency's appointed engineer sees a problem with the foundations, they will address it. That is my expectation.