535. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on discussions between the banking industry and his own Department in relation to support for Mica-affected homeowners;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40456/23]

There have been a number of engagements between my Department and the the Banking and Payments Federation (BPFI) on specific issues raised by Defective Concrete Block homeowners to see what can be done to address their concerns.

In this regard I met with the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland on 2 February 2023. At the meeting, I stressed the need for a fair and consistent approach to be taken by the banking sector with customers dealing with the effects of defective concrete blocks on their houses. Further meetings at official level took place on 18 July 2023, 11 August, 2023 and most recently on 22 August 2023. My Department will continue to engage with the BPFI over the coming weeks.