Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government following the publication of the Pyrite Panel Report, his views on whether a close reading of the report suggests that the purpose of the report is to absolve the Building Regulations Advisory Board and his Department of any responsibility for the systematic failures to ensure adequate testing by quarry owners for the presence of sulphur/sulphide/sulphate in hardcore for use as fill under ground floor slabs in housing units which failures have facilitated pyrite induced heave and serious structural damage to tens of thousands of houses in North Dublin, East Meath, North Kildare and Offaly. [38881/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I do not believe that an objective reading of the pyrite report would support the view expressed. The Pyrite Panel was set up on an independent basis to explore options for an agreed resolution to the problem of pyrite in private dwellings. While I have always stated that the State is not responsible for the pyrite problem, I believe it has a duty to assist homeowners in finding a resolution to what is a very difficult situation for them and this was one of my key objectives in setting up the Panel. The Panel operated independently of me and I believe that it undertook its work in a fair and impartial manner producing a well- researched and balanced report. As can be seen from Appendix 1 of the report, which lists the groups and individuals the Panel met with, it consulted widely, including with: homeowners, industry, academia, professional bodies, banks, insurance providers and local authorities. While not everyone will agree with all of the recommendations they are supported by the broadly based consultation undertaken, and I understand that the report has been well received generally. It is very clear about where responsibility for the pyrite problem lies and who should pay the costs associated with the remediation of pyrite damaged dwellings. The report provides a comprehensive framework to move forward towards achieving a solution for homeowners and I have already begun this process.