Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
236. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that representatives from his Department are in attendance at the next meeting of the working group that consists of the BPFI, IPAV and the Banking and Insurance Defective Block Focus Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5041/26]
View answerMy Department maintains regular contact with the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland providing updates on the grant scheme and addressing any queries they may have relating to statistical information or the operation of the scheme.
I can confirm that my Department attended the Quarter 3 Defective Concrete Blocks Stakeholder Forum meeting on 25 September 2025. Attendance at future meetings of the Group will continue to be considered where appropriate.
An Implementation Steering Group for the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme has been in place since 2023 with a sub-group of this group also established to discuss financial aspects of the scheme. The work of this sub-group resulted in updated guidance for local authorities that facilitated the earlier payment of certain costs incurred by applicants to the grant scheme.
My Department remains fully committed to continuing to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the views of relevant stakeholders can, and are being heard.
The Homeowner Liaison Officer works with homeowner groups and my Department to ensure that the concerns of these key stakeholders are heard and dealt with. My Department regularly also meets with elected representatives in affected counties as well as with representative bodies on specific issues as and when the need arises.
