I have highlighted here a few times now that changes urgently need to be made to the defective concrete block scheme.

I acknowledge the engagement of the Minister for housing in this matter. The Minister, Deputy Browne's, visit to Donegal was a positive step. His commitment to amending the Bill to improve the scheme to reflect the necessary changes by I.S. 465 was reassuring to the impacted homeowners. I would be grateful if the Taoiseach would give me a timeline for both of these Bills, those being, to provide a 10% retrospective payment and the defective concrete Bill. When does the Taoiseach expect the rate and caps Bill to be enacted? When can homeowners expect to receive their retrospective payments? What is the timeline for drafting the legislation for the updated defective concrete scheme? Will it reflect the necessary changes required to the standard of I.S. 465?

My understanding is that the Minister visited Donegal recently and had constructive engagement with all involved. Work is under way now within the Department. I will ask the Minister to maybe revert to the Deputy in respect of specific timelines around the legislation.