Mica remediation options and grant levels to be increased

Taoiseach Simon Harris has told the Dáil that the current scheme cap for remediation options and ancillary grants for Mica homes will be increased.

He said Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien brought a memo to the Government on the matter and he also requested an increase in the grant rates.

This will require amending legislation to ensure the increases apply retrospectively.

The Taoiseach also said he will ask Minister O'Brien to examine a report that a local authority had altered the recommendations of engineers acting for mica-affected homeowners.

Independent TD Thomas Pringle raised a report from the Ditch website which said that Donegal County Council had changed engineers' recommendations in more than 20 cases.

Mr Pringle said these aligned with the downgraded option and he said it would be naive to attribute this to a mere coincidence.

He also asked for a definitive date for a revised standard for examining Mica affected homes.

The Taoiseach said the NSAI was reviewing the standard and would report back.