IS 465 defective materials
Deputy Ward challenged the handling of the IS 465 issue and raised concerns about quarry audits and enforcement. The Tánaiste said he would ask the Minister to revert on the timeline and contact with the European Commission.
The continued delay in I.S. 465 means families are still being exposed to defective materials with devastating financial consequences through no fault of their own. Following an EU complaint by Donegal homeowners, quarry audits were carried out and the Government is confident there have been no market surveillance failures since 2021. That claim is deeply questionable. FOI material released to me raises serious concerns about these audits, including the reliance on incomplete sulphur testing and clear compliance gaps. This points to failure in oversight and enforcement. Will the Tánaiste act to ensure accountability and strengthen legal protections, including legislative change? Have these issues been raised with the European Commission? When will I.S. 465 be delivered?
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Ward for raising this matter. He raised it with me in the House relatively recently, as he rightly should. I gave him the latest update then. I believed that process was drawing to a conclusion. I do not have any further information today but I will make sure the Minister, Deputy Browne, comes back to him on the timeline for the conclusion of that and any contact we have had with the European Commission.