Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not be found wanting in making decisions about these matters and I have not waited around for anybody to encourage me to do so.

As I have made abundantly clear, in the absence of credible proposals from the stakeholders, I will consider an imposed solution along the lines recommended in the report of the establishment of a resolution board which could be funded by a levy on the construction-quarrying sectors and the related insurance sector.

Work is progressing on the implementation of a number of recommendations in the report. The National Standards Authority of Ireland is working on the development of a testing and categorisation protocol for reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material and a method statement to provide guidance for the remediation of pyrite damaged dwellings. It has set up two broad-based technical standards committees with those who have the requisite knowledge and expertise in the particular areas and they have also sought written submissions from the public. Recommendations on the development of a mandatory certification system for buildings and a registration process for builders are currently being finalised by the Department under the building control reform programme that I announced last year.

Deputy Broughan is not a man to understate matters but there is not thousands affected by pyrite where their houses are crumbling. It has been identified by the panel and agreed by everybody that there are 850 houses in need of urgent remediation. There are other homeowners who have potential pyrite problems who have been identified and this is where the National Standards Authority of Ireland will be able to give the necessary assurance or otherwise. Certainly, we are conscious that one who has a potential pyrite problem does not want to escalate publicity about these matters because it has an implication for the value of one's property. We have a sensitive issue to deal with in respect of homeowners, particularly those who paid a great deal for those properties and who have mortgage problems arising from it.

We are working through these recommendations and next week I will review the submissions I received from the stakeholders.

I hope they come forward on a voluntary basis. Otherwise, I will go down the road, as indicated in the report, of imposing a solution.

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