What is the status of the work of the expert panel which was established in February to examine the issue of defective concrete blocks in the construction of homes in Donegal and Mayo? The panel's terms of reference cover only private housing. Last night, "Prime Time" revealed the profound failure of State regulation of the industry and the very deep trauma this has caused for the families affected. Potentially, hundreds of council homes may fall victim to this.

The Government is insisting on Donegal County Council meeting what could be a major bill. This would impact on the provision of other local services in that disadvantaged county. Will the Government amend the terms of reference of the expert panel to cover publicly owned property? When does the Taoiseach expect the expert panel's report to be published? Will the Government put in place a redress scheme to provide financial assistance for the homeowners affected?

I do not have an exact timetable for the publication of the report. In counties Donegal and Mayo the houses were not affected by pyrite but by mica. The Minister of State, Deputy Damien English, will travel to both counties to look at the situation at first hand and speak to the householders involved. He will report to the Minister on what we can do here. I know that, when this issue was examined before in dealing with the pyrite problem in the greater Dublin area, it was considered to be outside the terms of reference. The Minister of State is to visit both locations and the Minister will report. We will give Deputy Gerry Adams the details.

All right.