THE GOVERNMENT must share responsibility for pyrite-damaged houses, homeowners have told an Oireachtas committee.

Up to 60,000 properties could be affected by the defective building material which causes structural damage, the Pyrite Action Group told the Oireachtas Environment Committee.

Homebond, the company which provides structural deficit cover on behalf of the construction industry, has withdrawn offers of compensation to affected homeowners. The Government is setting up a working group to identify solutions to the pyrite problem. Taoiseach Enda Kenny last week said the issue was a civil matter and dismissed claims the State should bear some responsibility. Chairman of the action group Peter Lewis said the State could not walk away from its responsibility to homeowners.

“The Government must accept that the pyrite crisis is not solely a civil matter and that it has a responsibility in providing a resolution to this issue.”