Charles Ward TD

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether properties owned or operated by an approved housing body (AHB), including supported accommodation, rehabilitation centres, and other residential facilities provided by an AHB for housing or care-related purposes, are eligible for assistance under The Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024; whether such properties are considered “dwellings” for the purposes of the scheme; whether any exclusions apply to AHB-operated properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific timeline for the signing and enactment of the Building Standards Agency (Establishment) Order; the precise calendar month in the second half of 2026 targeted for the formal launch of the interim Building Standards Agency; the projected timeline for the publication of the general scheme of the Bill to establish the permanent, statutory Building Standards Regulatory Authority (BSRA); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the independent panel to review the defective concrete blocks grant scheme, following the publication of IS 465, has been established; if so, the date on which the panel was established; the membership of the panel; its terms of reference; the expected timeframe for completion of its review; if not, the reason the panel has not yet been established; and the expected date by which the panel will be in place.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government will consider restoring grants for the recommended demolition and rebuild (Option 1) for homeowners who commenced this option at their own expense and were previously downgraded to a lesser option by the Housing Agency; as the publication of the revised IS 465:2026 now confirms that Option 1 was the only viable solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2415 of 9 June 2026, the reason this data was not provided; when this data will be provided; and the most common reasons recorded for claim adjustment in each year from 2020 to date (details supplied)

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he will consider introducing supports for farm buildings or agricultural buildings impacted by defective concrete; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether consideration has been given to the treatment of the nursing homes support scheme (fair deal scheme) means test in cases where applicants own or have an interest in properties that are significantly devalued due to defective concrete; if the reduced or impaired market value of such properties is fully recognised in the financial assessment; if there are plans to introduce a specific exemption, adjustment mechanism, or guidance to ensure that applicants are not unfairly assessed on notional property values that do not reflect realisable market value; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the proposed social housing defective concrete blocks remediation scheme; if approved housing body-owned or operated properties, including supported accommodation and rehabilitation centres will be eligible for inclusion under this scheme; the anticipated timeline for the establishment and commencement of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that a number of homeowners whose applications were upgraded to full demolition and rebuild following successful defective concrete block scheme appeals have been advised by the Housing Agency that their grant amounts cannot be recalculated until I.S. 465 becomes legislation, despite other homeowners in the same circumstances having received revised grant approvals prior to 2 June 2025; the reason for this apparent inconsistency in treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce a compassionate hardship clause or legislative amendment to the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme to accommodate families who have inherited a defective property from a relative who was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and subsequently passed away before they were medically or physically able to apply for the scheme; if he acknowledges that the strict "principal private residence" criteria currently forces grieving families to watch their deceased relatives' homes fall to rubble without any access to redress; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of delays within Tailte Éireann in processing mapping, registration and related property matters that are affecting homeowners’ ability to progress applications under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; the number of applications that have been delayed as a result; the average waiting time being experienced by applicants; the measures being taken by his Department and Tailte Éireann to address these delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will confirm whether the issue of homeowners under the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme who have reached the maximum grant cap and are unable to reclaim engineering and professional fees incurred, in some cases up to €6,000 and paid prior to scheme approval, will be considered as part of the upcoming review of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding a full building condition survey, including mechanical and electrical, of the Donegal town courthouse; a timeline for assessments for repair work; the expected date of re-opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the preparatory work completed to date to facilitate the extension of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme to the newly included counties; the work that remains outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the local authorities in the counties being added to the defective concrete blocks grant scheme have been advised of an implementation timetable; whether staffing, training and administrative arrangements have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has prepared a project plan for the extension of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme to the other newly included counties; if so, the key milestones and target dates contained within that plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated number of homeowners in County Meath and each other county approved for inclusion in the defective concrete blocks grant scheme who are awaiting the opening of the scheme; the measures being taken to minimise further delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of dwellings currently awaiting a technical review of remediation options under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; the average length of time such reviews have been outstanding; whether a formal technical review protocol has been established; who is responsible for conducting such reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he will publish the criteria, methodology and decision-making framework used in technical reviews of remediation options under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; whether homeowners are entitled to review and respond to technical assessments used in such reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when guidance will be issued to local authorities or technical reviewers regarding the assessment of foundation retention under I.S. 465:2026; whether a consistent national approach will apply to such determinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the composition of any technical review panel or group involved in determining remediation options under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; the professional qualifications represented on such panels; whether independent experts are included; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the length of time between the triggering of the three-month review of the defective concrete blocks scheme and the expected completion; the longest period recorded to date in similar circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether applicants whose remediation options have not yet been finalised will be assessed in accordance with I.S. 465:2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether training or guidance has been provided to local authority staff, chartered engineers and technical reviewers in relation to the implementation of I.S. 465:2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has prepared estimates of the impact of I.S. 465:2026 on future remediation costs under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether remediation recommendations, technical reviews and appeals that remain undetermined at the date of publication of I.S. 465:2026 will be assessed under the provisions of I.S. 465:2026 or under the version of the standard that applied when the application was originally submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the reason day care facilities in Donegal town Community Hospital are only available two days per week; if she aware that a large number of people are waiting for day services in Donegal town Community Hospital; the plans in place to increase the day care services to a seven day-a-week service; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has assessed the impact of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme on the future saleability and mortgage ability of remediated dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new Garda cars and vans added to the Garda fleet within Donegal division in the years 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of Garda cars and vans withdrawn from this division during same period, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultants in emergency medicine, emergency medicine registrars and senior house officers in emergency medicine that were on duty each night between 8 May and17 May 2026 inclusive, between the hours of 8pm and 8am at Letterkenny University Hospital, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE general dental surgeon posts filled in Donegal as of 19 May 2026; if she will provide the same figures as of 30 June 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of capital projects funded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund or outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme within Donegal in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated first and full-year yield from each percentage point increase in the minimum effective tax rate of persons earning more than €400,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated individual savings per relief and the total full-year savings to the Exchequer from applying only the standard rate of tax to all discretionary tax expenditures; if this table can categorise those reliefs and expenditures that cost in excess of €5 million per annum, and in excess of €10 million per annum in revenue foregone, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of respite hours provided to families in County Donegal in each of the years of 2024 and 2025; the planned level of capacity for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of dietician hours delivered in the community in 2025; the number of patients; the cost of delivering dietician hours in the community in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

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.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the revised standard I.S. 465 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if landlords with tenancies in place prior to 1 March 2026 will continue to retain the right to terminate a tenancy under section 34 of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2025 where vacant possession is required to carry out remediation works to dwellings affected by defective concrete blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures that are in place to ensure that landlords are not placed in a position whereby tenants remain in dwellings deemed unsafe due to defective concrete blocks or where substantial remediation works pose a health and safety risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the protections and supports available to tenants residing in dwellings affected by defective concrete blocks where remediation works require temporary or permanent vacation of the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if specific guidance has issued, or is planned to issue, to landlords, tenants and the Residential Tenancies Board regarding the interaction between tenancy protections introduced from 1 March 2026 and the operation of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether FLAG funding for the North West has been paused; whether funding will be made available for Fanad lighthouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has considered a CALF application for 60 houses in Carndonagh (details supplied); if so, his decision in relation to this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether there has been an update regarding a lease extension (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if a constituent (details supplied) is forbidden from getting a second Community Welfare Payment when moving into a council house, 14-years after getting a payment when moving into their previous council house; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether a tender for the Buncrana Community Hospital project was ever issued; if so, when; whether a contractor was appointed; if not, the reason public representatives were informed that works would commence in Q1 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the specific issues that led to the Buncrana Community Hospital project reverting to pre-tender stage; the reason these issues were not identified earlier, prior to residents being relocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the basis on which residents from Buncrana Community Hospital were moved out in May 2025 if the project was not ready to proceed; the assessment that was carried out regarding the impact of relocation on residents and families; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the current status of the Buncrana Community Hospital project in terms of approvals and procurement; whether a clear and guaranteed timeline now be provided for tender issue, contractor appointment and construction commencement and completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the person or body responsible for the communication failures and misinformation provided to public representatives and families regarding Buncrana Community Hospital; the steps being taken to ensure this does not happen again; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the measures being put in place to support families impacted by displacement from Buncrana Community Hospital, such as transport supports, or increased visiting access; the efforts being made to address the reduction in bed capacity and respite services in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the financial shortfall being experienced by applicants who do not have access to bridging finance under the defective concrete blocks scheme; if he is aware of the impact of the requirement to retain 10% of the approved grant, combined with the additional retrospective top-up (up to the €462,000 maximum) only being payable upon completion of works; whether consideration will be given to revising the payment structure to alleviate upfront financial burdens, particularly for applicants who are unable to secure loans from financial institutions; if he will review the interaction between the grant scheme and other supports, including SEAI energy upgrade grants, to ensure applicants are not placed under undue financial strain; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an ASA scheme application for a school in Donegal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether homeowners in receipt of defective concrete blocks scheme funding remain fully eligible for SEAI grants for energy upgrades; if any restrictions or coordination measures are being introduced between local authorities and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of appeals lodged to date relating specifically to downgraded remediation options under the defective concrete blocks scheme; the number of such appeals in each county, , including a separate identification of Donegal; the number of such appeals submitted in each month since the establishment of the appeals panels, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of appeals relating to downgraded remediation options that have been withdrawn to date; the number of such withdrawals in each month; the reason recorded in each case for withdrawal; whether the reason for withdrawal is recorded as a mandatory field in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants who, having initiated an appeal in respect of a downgraded remediation option, subsequently opted to pursue a technical review instead; whether such cases are included in, excluded from, or separately classified within appeal statistics; the number of such cases currently recorded; the stage at which such cases are removed or reclassified within the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of appeals relating to downgraded remediation options determined to date by the appeals panels; the outcome in each case, including the number overturned resulting in an upgrade in remediation option; the number upheld; the number remitted for further inspection or reassessment; the average and median time taken to determine such appeals, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of appeals relating to downgraded remediation options currently awaiting determination by the appeals panels; the length of time each such appeal has been awaiting decision, categorised, by time bands; if he will confirm that this figure excludes withdrawn appeals and cases where applicants opted for a technical review; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the name of each engineer and engineering firm currently operating under the Housing Agency framework panels in relation to the defective concrete blocks scheme; the date of appointment of each; the criteria applied for inclusion on the panels; whether any firms or individuals have been removed or suspended and the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Questions on appeals relating to downgraded remediation options under the defective concrete blocks scheme, whether he or his Department holds the data requested; if not, whether the appeals panels or any associated bodies hold such data; if the data is held by an independent body, whether he will engage with the relevant body or bodies, including the appeals panels and/or the Housing Agency, to obtain and provide this information to Dáil Éireann; whether any legal or administrative barriers exist to the provision of such data; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale for maintaining separate cost calculation methodologies for the defective concrete blocks grant scheme and SEAI energy upgrade grants; whether this separation explicitly excludes energy efficiency upgrades from the DCB scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the unit rates used in the defective concrete blocks scheme are aligned with 2007 Building Regulations or another baseline; the reason current building regulations standards are not applied in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether there are plans to align the defective concrete blocks scheme with current energy efficiency standards in future revisions; and if discussions have taken place with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given that the defective concrete blocks grant scheme applies unit rates aligned to 2007 Building Regulations, and further given that certain elements of construction such as double glazing to 2007 specifications are no longer commercially available, whether the use of currently available alternatives such as triple glazing is classified as "betterment" rather than necessary replacement within the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the definition of “betterment” under the defective concrete blocks scheme; whether upgrades such as triple glazing and heat pumps are formally excluded from grant eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will immediately reinstate the 2.5 SNAs cut from a school (details supplied).

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he or his Department have engaged with any stakeholder groups from sectors (details supplied) including representatives from currently examining issues related to the insurance and mortgageability of homes affected by defective concrete and other building defects; if he will provide details of such engagements, including meeting dates, attendees, and any documentation, proposals, or recommendations shared with his Department or agencies such as the Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if lenders or insurers are considering introducing a structural risk classification system for residential properties, including a rating scale to assess structural condition and lending or insurance risk; if he has engaged with financial institutions or insurers regarding this potential system and its implications for mortgage access, insurance cover and property values; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on his meeting with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in relation to the repairs and re-opening of the Donegal town Courthouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify the current and projected funding arrangements for the establishment of the Building Standards Regulatory Authority; the reason for the absence of dedicated budget line items since 2024 to support its development and implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to explain the legal basis for a practice (details supplied); if he will proceed with a recommended remediation option, given that the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 provides that applicants must be notified of the determination and the reasons for it prior to exercising their right of appeal; the statutory basis, for withholding the chartered engineer's final report from applicants, given that the report forms the basis of the remediation option recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a practice (details supplied), is consistent with the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022, which provides that a determination and the reasons for that determination are to be notified to the applicant prior to the exercise of any right of appeal; the way in which an applicant can make an informed decision to accept a remediation option or seek a review where the underlying chartered engineer's report and full technical reasoning are not made available to them at that stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether requiring applicants to make a choice (details supplied) in advance of receiving the full report may undermine fair procedures, transparency and the effective exercise of appeal rights; whether this practice arises from legislation, regulations or administrative guidance issued by his Department or the Housing Agency; and if the latter, to provide copies of any such guidance or template correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review a practice (details supplied) to ensure that applicants are provided with the full chartered engineer's report and reasoning prior to being required to make any decision affecting their rights under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he or his Department have engaged with any stakeholder groups from sectors (details supplied) examining issues related to the insurance and mortgageability of homes with building defects; and if he will provide details of such engagements, including meeting dates, attendees, and any documentation or proposals shared; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether consideration is being given to introducing a structural risk classification system for residential properties that includes a rating scale to assess structural condition and associated lending or insurance risk; if so, the current status of these proposals; his Department's role in their development; and whether they will be subject to public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to the enactment of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Act 2025, and noting that part of the scheme has been administrated by Donegal County Council, when he expect the remainder of the amendments under the Bill to commence administration across all relevant local authorities; and specifically when will eligible applicants be able to submit applications for side-by-side building under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current system of proactive market surveillance of concrete construction products, being undertaken by the State; to detail the types of testing now required to ensure such products are fit-for-purpose prior to being placed on the market and used in construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a breakdown, by county of the number of proactive market surveillance inspections carried out in relation to construction products, for the years 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide the number of inspections conducted which included testing of aggregates as part of the inspection process for each of the years 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of the type and number of corrective actions issued to economic operators arising from inspections; and the number of economic operators that were temporarily or permanently closed due to non-compliance with relevant regulations for the years 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm if the Building Standards Agency (BSA), as recommended in the June 2024 report (details supplied) has been established; if so, to provide details of its current operational status; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current staffing levels of the Building Standards Agency; to detail any plans to increase staffing to align with the estimated requirement of approximately 500 personnel, as recommended in the June 2024 report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the drafting and progression of primary legislation required to establish the proposed Building Standards Regulatory Authority (BRSA); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the budget that has been allocated in 2026 to deliver the National Stroke Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year costs of providing three additional rapid response vehicles on a 24-7 basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant maxillofacial surgeons working in the health service; her plans to expand this number; the international recommended best practice ratio of consultant maxillofacial surgeons to population; and Ireland's ratio; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant urologists and urology registrars based at Letterkenny University Hospital as of 7 April 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.