Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I expressed my concerns about this matter so I think that the Minister knows my concerns. There is a view, particularly regarding pyrite, that the cracking is relatively less severe when it comes to mica. I have seen many affected houses throughout my county and over time cracks manifest themselves to a greater extent, which may fall in with the prioritisation of the remediation of homes.

I would like to hear the Minister's thoughts on the following. If it turns out that elements of this scheme are not workable to a point where they help to resolve the issues for people, then will he look at the regulations? Perhaps he could have a better, closer or tighter definition at that point.

I am bit worried about a reference to 1.5 mm cracks. A couple of homeowners have informed me that they have already filled in the cracks and I gave them my thoughts on that rather than concrete information. I said that the cracks which have been refilled will generally reappear and even where walls have been entirely replastered the cracks return. In a visual inspection account will be taken of the situation. If there was extensive cracking, then a trained eye will be able to establish, according to the way that they were filled, that they were filled on the basis that the cracks were extensive prior to that. I would like that situation to be acceptable.