Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from the Government Decision of 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) grant scheme, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) was tasked with delivering a programme of work to address a number of technical items. An interagency DCB Technical Matters Steering Group has been established to inform and guide the NSAI review of a number of relevant standards including I.S. 465:2018, and the impact, if any on foundations and the effect, if any, of full cavity fill insulation on homes susceptible to defective blockwork.

Research proposals developed by the relevant NSAI Technical Committees, including research to investigate pyrrhotite oxidation in concrete blocks and the potential impact of deleterious materials on foundations, have been commissioned and are making good progress.

I am advised that preliminary findings from primary research to investigate pyrrhotite oxidation in concrete blocks and the potential impact of deleterious materials on foundations, has been received by the NSAI and the relevant Technical Committee, and that they are currently analysing this data in advance of the completion of the research project later this year. This project is part of a substantial program of research and analysis that is underway at present as part of the NSAI review of standards.

Following the publication of any revised standard published by the NSAI, the enhanced DCB scheme will be reviewed at that point, in the event that such amendments are required.