2. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Health whether she will commission a study on the health impacts of prolonged exposure to mould and damp in homes impacted by defective concrete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18050/26]

Sentiment score: -0.14

I would be grateful if the Minister of State would let me know whether she will commission a study on the health impacts of prolonged exposure to damp and mould in homes impacted by defective concrete.

Sentiment score: 0.03

I want to highlight some urgent cases in Donegal involving individuals with serious conditions living in unsafe, defective homes. I have written to the Minister of State previously regarding these. Their health, dignity and daily lives are at constant risk. These are real families, not statistics. Unfortunately the only response from the housing Department was a generic letter offering practically no support. I commend the Minister's leadership particularly with regard to the Letterkenny hub. These cases are an opportunity for the Government and the Department of Health to lead again. We need help. Urgent cases needs to be fast-tracked. People are stuck in homes, their health is failing and they are ageing. They need to be prioritised. At the moment there are no steps to do that. Will the Department take anything from this and help them? They are running out of time in their lives. They need all the help they can get and there is no priory list for them.

Sentiment score: 0.07

I have a constituent with a severe reduction in her lung capacity. Her daughters are deeply concerned about the effects of prolonged exposure to damp and mould in a defective home. There is no doubt it has shortened her life. Each day this constituent remains in her home, her health deteriorates. She also suffers from dementia and has a heart condition. I am also aware of a terminally ill mother who is a nurse. She has stage 4 cancer. She wants her house rebuilt for her four kids before she dies. That is serious. I would like the Minister for Health to put something in place for these people to make sure there is priority. We need to make sure we is done for them. The mother who came to me will not be here next Christmas and she has four kids. It is important this is looked at in a humane way and try to get it done. Whatever has to be done, get it done. It is not just her and her husband; there are also four young children. As their representative, I take it seriously. We need to make sure there is urgency.

Sentiment score: -0.10