Independent TD Thomas Pringle has said the Geological Survey of Ireland has recognised the role of pyrrhotite in defective blocks.
As a result, he has called on the government to use up-to-date science in its redress scheme.
“The Minister for Housing and the National Standards Authority of Ireland continue to say that there is no evidence that pyrrhotite is the cause of defective blocks in Donegal, not mica, as it has been attributed to,” Deputy Pringle told the Dáil today.
“But, in an FOI (Freedom of Information request) submitted by defective block campaign groups in Donegal, it turns out that the Geological Survey of Ireland since December last has recognised pyrrhotite,” he said.
“This is from studies carried out by RSK, Petrolab and the Ulster University consortium, but yet the Department does not acknowledge this and allows families to continue to be approved for partial remediation.”
The deputy raised the issue today during Questions on Policy or Legislation.
“Taoiseach, will you instruct the department to use up-to-date science when operating this scheme so that homeowners can have a result that they can have faith in?”
In his response, the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said he will look specifically into the information Deputy Pringle brought to his attention and engage with Minister Darragh O’Brien, who will respond to the Donegal TD.
