I met members of the north Mayo pyrite group at their socially distant demonstration last Saturday in Ballina and their story paints a grim picture, through no fault of their own. Pyrite has caused considerable distress, both financially and mentally, and this is compounded by the response of the quarries that supplied the blocks. Their demand is simple; there should be parity of treatment to terms available under the pyrite remediation scheme. In contrast, the defective concrete block grant scheme requires a financial overlay at a cost of 10%, along with payment for alternative accommodation and storage while continuing mortgage repayments. This is desperately unfair.

I acknowledge the Minister with responsibility for the matter, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, has undertaken to meet affected groups and Oireachtas Members in Mayo this week but we need a cross-departmental approach, particularly between the Departments of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.

I am sure the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, will benefit from meeting the various Deputies who have expressed an interest in this matter. We have schemes in place and the question is whether they are working effectively or what changes may be required. For anyone involved, it is clearly the worst disaster that can befall a person because the house is fundamentally damaged. We must help those people and I am absolutely certain the Minister will apprise the Deputies of how he intends to do it.