Defective Building Materials

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Questions (476)

Charles Ward

Question:

476. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the statutory review of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 currently being undertaken under Section 51 of the Act; the names, qualifications, and specific terms of appointment of external experts or consultants who have been engaged to assist his Department with this review; the specific terms of reference provided to these external experts; and the estimated timeline for the completion of their findings. [68657/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 as amended by the Act of 2025 sets out the framework under which the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) operates.

A number of amendments contained in the 2025 Act came into operation on 25 February 2026 and more recently further provisions commenced on 27 May 2026.

As per Section 51 of the 2022 Act (as amended), a review of the operation of the Act has now been commenced and is being carried out by my Department with the assistance of external expertise. Terms of Reference have been drafted and approved. The Department will engage both legislative and technical experts as necessary and has already engaged a legislative expert who has knowledge of the legislation and formerly held the role of Assistant Secretary. Retention of technical experts will follow in due course.

It is not possible to provide a timeframe for its completion at this point in time.