Health Services
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-05
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Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (FF), Carlow-Kilkenny

I thank the Deputy for raising this. We know that living with mould and damp can have a profound impact on people’s health and well-being. They are known to cause respiratory illnesses and can also affect mental health. Children and other vulnerable people often feel these effects more than most.
The Government recognises the difficult and painful situation that many families are in and is working to address the root cause through the defective concrete blocks grant scheme. We are very mindful of that. This scheme provides financial support to those in designated counties whose homes have been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks during construction. We understand that families can face financial hardship and in some cases may have to leave their homes. We are very much aware of this and can see that there is a huge level of stress and anxiety.
To support those affected, enhanced mental health supports have been introduced. I do not know if the Deputy is aware of these but they are really important. They have been introduced through the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme, and through our mental health services. It is called MyMind, which provided free counselling, psychotherapy, and psychological support. At the moment approximately 450 appointments are offered each year, along with group sessions and workshops.
Children’s Health Ireland’s respiratory, cystic fibrosis and sleep teams continue to provide essential care for children affected by respiratory conditions. Given the well-established health impacts of mould and damp, a further study is not going to be needed. Our priority is to deliver direct, practical support to those living with the consequences of defective concrete blocks.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-05/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:44+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-05