Notwithstanding what the Taoiseach said to Deputy Ellis about the pyrite levy Bill, can he clarify the initial proposition that appeared on the A-list whereby the insurance and quarrying sectors would be levied in respect of the cost of remediating such properties around the country? Can we take it that the Bill is being removed from the A-list? Has the Government decided that taxpayers will carry the full cost of this remediation, as distinct from the building sector?

As I told Deputy Ellis, the Bill will not be proceeded with in so far as imposing a levy on quarries around the country is concerned. However, there will be legislation to establish the pyrite resolution board, which will comply with the initial sum of €10 million allocated for remediation.

We need to ascertain the exact number of homes affected by pyrite and make arrangements to deal with the situation over the next two to three years. I understand that in respect of houses built during the past five years the pyrite impact might not yet be evident. However, there are tests that can be carried out to verify this.