Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 130 together.

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.

When I launched the enhanced scheme, I established an Implementation Steering Group and part of the Group’s remit was to produce a six-month report on the Scheme. This report on the operation of the Enhanced Scheme covers the period July to December 2023 i.e. the first six months of the Scheme. It should be noted that this Report is not a review of the fundamental terms and conditions of the Scheme as set down in the 2022 Act. I understand that the Report will be submitted for my consideration very soon.

At present almost 2,000 applications have been received for remediation under the terms of the previous and current schemes. I believe this clearly shows that progress is being made in helping a large number of homeowners to fix their homes and allow them and their families to move on with their lives in a positive way.

The Scheme is demand led. I understand that the Question may be referring to some matters of a financial nature that potentially could be having an adverse impact on certain homeowners accessing the Scheme in the first place. I am aware of these issues and I established a sub-group, within the existing Implementation group structure, to examine an emerging issue relating to financial aspects of the scheme. Representatives from Engineers Ireland, the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, Insurance Ireland, the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, Homeowner representatives from each of the four local authority areas and officials from the Department of Finance attended discussions on 11 January 2024 chaired by my Department. A further meeting of this group is due to take place later this month on 21 February 2024.

My Department is working proactively on seeking to arrive at workable solutions within the framework of the legislation that will assist homeowners. Engagement with all stakeholders, including homeowner representatives, has been regular and extensive and this will continue where needed over the lifetime of the Scheme.