1842. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will assess the risk of a UK style spray foam scandal emerging in Ireland due to the lack of installer regulation, including the potential impact on insurance availability, mortgage approval, and property values; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62161/26]

1843. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider introducing a mandatory NSAI certified contractors register for spray foam insulation installation in order to address the current absence of installer competency checks, product verification, and building control oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62158/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1842 and 1843 together.

The Building Regulations 1997 to 2024 set out the legal requirements in Ireland for the construction of new buildings (including houses), extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. The requirements are set out in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M) and Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) are published to accompany each part, available at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/d9729-technical-guidance-documents/. The TGDs provide technical guidance on how to comply with the regulations in practical terms. Where works are carried out in accordance with the relevant technical guidance, such works are considered to be, prima facie, in compliance with the relevant regulation(s).

Part D of the second schedule to the Building Regulations sets the minimum statutory requirements in respect materials and workmanship. The overarching requirement of Part D is that all works should be carried out:

• Using proper materials, which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used, and

• With a proper standard of workmanship and the appropriate use of any material to achieve compliance with the requirements of the Regulations.

Proper materials are defined as materials which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used. The definition also provides ways this can be demonstrated by reference to established standards, specifications, assessments, CE Marking and includes materials which comply with an Irish Agrément certificate.

TGD D – Materials and Workmanship explains that Irish Agrément certification applies to those products and processes which do not fall within the scope of existing construction standards, either because they are innovative or because they deviate from established norms. Spray foam insulation is one such product. The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) assesses, specifies testing, and where appropriate, issues NSAI Agrément certificates confirming that new building products, materials, techniques and equipment are safe and fit for purpose in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations and with the terms of the certificate. NSAI Agrément Certificates also include guidance on installation. NSAI Agrément Certificates, including those for Spray foam insulation are published on the following link: www.nsai.ie/certification/agrement-certification/search-agrements-certificates/.

NSAI is Ireland’s official standards body and is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment. Introduction of a new NSAI service is not a matter for my Department.

Finally, responsibility lies with the owner, designer and builder to ensure and demonstrate compliance with Irish Building Regulations. Enforcement is delegated under the Building Control Act 1990 to 2025 to the local building control authorities (i.e. the 31 local authorities) who are independent in the exercise of their statutory powers. My Department has no function in assessing whether product certification, or any completed works, comply with the Building Regulations.