Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department is working on the committee’s report and other reports and the task force is working on implementing their recommendations. There is an issue around when a government intervenes. Governments have decided in some cases to intervene to support homeowners in dwellings subject to significant damage such as pyrite, and, in budget 2019, a decision was made to bring forward a scheme to help homes affected by mica-contaminated blocks in Donegal and Mayo. They have significant visible damage. If that is not addressed, it will lead to greater difficulties. In some cases, those homes have been rendered unusable. In general, while the Department has overall responsibility for establishing and maintaining an effective regulatory framework for building control and fire services, it does not have a statutory role in resolving defects in privately-owned buildings, including dwellings, nor does it have a budget for such matters. There has been a decision to intervene in some cases because properties were so badly damaged. Other recommendations need to be considered in the round.

See this speech in context