Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 592: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role of the EPA in relation to investigating quarries for pyrite in stone; if he will outline reports available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24880/07]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 593: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a certification procedure in respect of stone products in view of recent problems associated with house construction in Dublin and the discovery of pyrite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24881/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 593 together.

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 1150, 1151, 1153, 1155 and 1167 of 26 September 2007.

The certification of products is the responsibility of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). The NSAI is giving urgent consideration to publication of additional guidance in relation to appropriate protocols for testing underfloor infill material, whether by way of a new standard, amendment to an existing standard or a standard recommendation, as found appropriate. It is my intention to adopt any recommendation of the NSAI in this regard, when available, in the relevant Technical Guidance Document to the Building Regulations.

The Environmental Protection Agency has no role in relation to this matter.