718. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the next sub-group meeting regarding defective blocks will happen; if he will consider up-front payments to homeowners who are currently struggling with finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15476/24]

I established an Implementation Steering Group for the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme and the sub-group the Question refers to was established within this existing group structure, to examine an emerging issue relating to financial aspects of the scheme.

I expect the next meeting of this sub-group will take place in the coming weeks. In the meantime, my Department is working proactively on seeking to arrive at workable solutions within the legislative framework that will assist homeowners approved under the scheme to access funding as early as possible.