I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 to 47, inclusive, together.
I brought a Memorandum on an enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme to Government on the 30 November 2021 and it included an unprecedented suite of improvements to the current scheme. Government approved the enhanced scheme which it is estimated will cost approximately €2.2Bn.
Full details in relation to the changes announced are available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e365e-minister-obrien-announces-enhancements-to-the-defective-concrete-block-scheme/
Following the Government decision on the enhanced scheme, officials from my Department met to discuss the terms of reference for further engagement on the issue of IS 465: 2018 which can be used to assess and categorise the damage in properties where the concrete blocks are suspected to contain mica or pyrite.
A steering group, NSAI Standardisation Program - Mansory Construction, has now been established to oversee a review of certain standards. Part of its work is to examine the current IS465 standard and its application and the standard for concrete blocks (including aggregates). The group includes representatives from the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and representatives from my Department. As part of this review it will also consider any necessary liaison with the EU Commission and or CEN in respect of the harmonised European Standards and any changes that may be required on foot of this program of work. The NSAI do not operate under the auspices of my Department and are under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.