Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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141. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average wait time for approval by the National Standards Authority of Ireland of new bio-based construction materials. [53932/22]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is an independent agency, under the aegis of my Department. As part of its remit, NSAI carries out a range of operational functions, some of which are in areas which fall within the lead policy responsibility of other Departments. In this context, NSAI carries out activities in relation to construction products, which is an area within the lead policy responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The times required for construction product certification by NSAI vary depending on the type of product, and the applicable regulatory context, for example whether the product falls under the Construction Product Regulation (CPR). Currently, CPR related products take 4 to 6 weeks to certify. However, if a product is new and innovative, and the manufacturer is seeking what is known as Agrément certification, then times for approval currently can be in excess of 6 months.

If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I have been informed by NSAI that their officials would be happy to deal directly with the company to discuss the application.