171. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will commit to funding targeted support hubs for children and families impacted by the defective concrete crisis, given that children and families are experiencing significant trauma, psychological distress and instability as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29466/26]

The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 as amended by the Act of 2025 underpins the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks.

The priority is to ensure that homes being occupied as principal private residences are remediated and Government has therefore prioritised owner occupied principal private residences and tenanted rental properties which were RTB registered as at 1 November 2021. Provided a property meets this criteria of principal private residence or the property is an RTB registered property as at 1 November 2021 it is eligible to apply for entry to the scheme.

I am absolutely committed to assisting homeowners to remediate their homes to allow them to move on with their lives.

Further to Government and the Department of Health's commitment to mental health supports for individuals and families affected by the defective concrete blocks issue, free counselling sessions are available to individuals and families in the five designated counties. As additional local authority areas are designated under the grant scheme homeowners will in these areas will also be able to avail of these supports.

The Department of Health have worked with the HSE to ensure that mental health supports are available through My Mind which offers free counselling, psychotherapy and psychological support sessions.

In terms of other additional supports, I have also been supportive of applications by designated local authorities for Defective Concrete Block grant scheme facilitator posts to assist homeowners through the grant scheme process. These facilitators provide direct assistance to homeowners and prioritise homeowners and families who are most vulnerable.

I have no plans at this time to introduce any additional measures.

Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 168.

Question No. 173 answered with Question No. 149.