Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
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2. To ask the Minister for Health whether she will commission a study on the health impacts of prolonged exposure to mould and damp in homes impacted by defective concrete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18050/26]

Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
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I would be grateful if the Minister of State would let me know whether she will commission a study on the health impacts of prolonged exposure to damp and mould in homes impacted by defective concrete.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this. We know that living with mould and damp can have a profound impact on people’s health and well-being. They are known to cause respiratory illnesses and can also affect mental health. Children and other vulnerable people often feel these effects more than most.

The Government recognises the difficult and painful situation that many families are in and is working to address the root cause through the defective concrete blocks grant scheme. We are very mindful of that. This scheme provides financial support to those in designated counties whose homes have been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks during construction. We understand that families can face financial hardship and in some cases may have to leave their homes. We are very much aware of this and can see that there is a huge level of stress and anxiety.

To support those affected, enhanced mental health supports have been introduced. I do not know if the Deputy is aware of these but they are really important. They have been introduced through the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme, and through our mental health services. It is called MyMind, which provided free counselling, psychotherapy, and psychological support. At the moment approximately 450 appointments are offered each year, along with group sessions and workshops.

Children’s Health Ireland’s respiratory, cystic fibrosis and sleep teams continue to provide essential care for children affected by respiratory conditions. Given the well-established health impacts of mould and damp, a further study is not going to be needed. Our priority is to deliver direct, practical support to those living with the consequences of defective concrete blocks.

Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
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I want to highlight some urgent cases in Donegal involving individuals with serious conditions living in unsafe, defective homes. I have written to the Minister of State previously regarding these. Their health, dignity and daily lives are at constant risk. These are real families, not statistics.

Unfortunately the only response from the housing Department was a generic letter offering practically no support. I commend the Minister's leadership particularly with regard to the Letterkenny hub. These cases are an opportunity for the Government and the Department of Health to lead again. We need help. Urgent cases needs to be fast-tracked. People are stuck in homes, their health is failing and they are ageing. They need to be prioritised. At the moment there are no steps to do that. Will the Department take anything from this and help them? They are running out of time in their lives. They need all the help they can get and there is no priory list for them.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Working with my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, we will come back to the Deputy on that and see what we can do. Working with the Minister for Health, as a public health approach, this issue has to address the underlying cause of ill health. The best way for us to help those affected by mould and damp in their homes with defective concrete is to address the housing directly. That is a priority. I have been speaking to the Minister for housing, Deputy Browne, about this too. We need to move on this urgently. As the Deputy will probably be aware, the scheme was recently extended in other counties. The amount available to homeowners was increased by 10%. It is now €462,000. We need to do more; I understand. I know families affected myself. I see the stress and anxiety. I will work with the different Departments so there is priority for what needs to be done.

Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
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I have a constituent with a severe reduction in her lung capacity. Her daughters are deeply concerned about the effects of prolonged exposure to damp and mould in a defective home. There is no doubt it has shortened her life. Each day this constituent remains in her home, her health deteriorates. She also suffers from dementia and has a heart condition. I am also aware of a terminally ill mother who is a nurse. She has stage 4 cancer. She wants her house rebuilt for her four kids before she dies. That is serious. I would like the Minister for Health to put something in place for these people to make sure there is priority. We need to make sure we is done for them. The mother who came to me will not be here next Christmas and she has four kids. It is important this is looked at in a humane way and try to get it done. Whatever has to be done, get it done. It is not just her and her husband; there are also four young children. As their representative, I take it seriously. We need to make sure there is urgency.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I understand people living with defective concrete in their homes experience real challenges. You can see it - families are really affected by this. That is why our Departments are working together to get the funding to get this done. The scheme is a major commitment by the State to help impacted homeowners to move on with their lives. We have to make sure the families who need counselling or support get it and that there is a commitment from Government. We know mould and damp can have a huge impact on people's health and well-being. I will work with the Deputy on that to prioritise. I will go back to the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, about what is in her remit and mine. We will talk to the Minister for housing because it involves different Departments. I thank the Deputy for highlighting this important and serious issue today.