1151. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether homeowners dissatisfied with the outcome of a technical review of remediation options under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme have access to an independent appeal or review mechanism; if so, the details of that mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43978/26]

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 (DCB)

Arising from developing scientific research findings the Department announced changes to the way the DCB Scheme operated on November 6th 2024. From that date, all homeowners who have been given a non-demolition option (option 2 to 5) will be offered a choice of continuing with the work on their dwelling under the option determined or the option of a full technical review of their application by the Housing Agency.

This review will be informed by an assessment of the implications of the revised national standard IS465, issued on June 2nd last.

As per section 51 of the 2022 DCB Act, I now intend to launch a review of the operation of the Act as quickly as possible. The 2022 Act mandates that not later than 3 months after completion of this review that I, as Minister, shall make a report to each House of the Oireachtas of my findings and conclusions resulting from that review.

Notwithstanding the outcome of this statutory review I can confirm that any applicant eligible for a technical review as per the changes made in November 2024, will have access to the statutory appeals process under Part V of the Act.