1914. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the next steps for option two homeowners impacted by defective concrete blocks whose grant scheme applications are up for review, now that the new I.S.465 have been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59287/26]

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).

A number of amendments contained in the 2025 Act came into operation on 25 February 2026 and more recently further provisions commenced on 27 May 2026.

The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) on 2 June 2026 published a revised standard, I.S. 465:2026.

As per section 51 of the 2022 DCB Act, I now intend to launch a review of the operation of the Act. The Review will commence shortly and measures are being put in place to ensure this happens in line with the terms of the 2022 Act as set down.

A number of aspects of the Act will be reviewed and matters relating to technical reviews may be considered as part of the review. The review will seek conclusions and recommendations regarding several aspects of the Act and how they interact with the DCB Grant Scheme.

However, government has agreed that, pending the outcome of the statutory review and in order to allow those who wish to progress works to continue with their applications, applicants who have not yet had a determination under the DCB Scheme, or who had a determination but paused works since November 6 2024 and who are eligible to avail of the provisions of section 17 of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Act 2025, should be offered the option to be assessed under the new Standard (excluding any consideration of the provisions relating to foundations which require further review), or alternatively await the outcome of the Review of the Act.

Communications will issue in this regard from the Housing Agency on their website and other mediums shortly.