100% Redress Party TD Charles Ward has called on the government, all members of the Oireachtas and the media retire the terms ‘Mica’ and ‘defective concrete blocks’.
He asked for scientifically accurate terminology to be used when referring to Ireland’s defective concrete crisis, following the publication of the revised IS 465.
The Donegal TD has written to editors and fellow parliamentarians urging them to consistently refer to the issue as the ‘defective concrete crisis’ rather than using the terms ‘mica’ or ‘defective concrete blocks’, arguing that the revised scientific standard now establishes a far more complex deterioration mechanism than has previously been understood.
The call follows last week’s Dáil proceedings, during which the Taoiseach again referred to the issue as ‘mica’ on the same day the opposition brought forward a motion focused on the science underpinning the crisis and the implications of the revised IS 465.
Deputy Ward said the contrast was disappointing.
“I found it deeply disappointing that, on the very day the Dáil was debating the science underpinning this crisis, the Taoiseach continued to describe it simply as ‘mica’, while also referring to the remediation programme as the largest scheme in the history of the State,” he said.
“If this is the largest remediation programme the State has ever undertaken, involving billions of euro of taxpayers’ money, then the government has a responsibility to accurately describe the problem it is seeking to resolve. That responsibility starts with using language that reflects the science.”
Ward said the publication of the revised IS 465 represents a watershed in understanding the crisis.
“The revised IS 465 demonstrates that this is not simply a mica issue. Nor is it accurate any longer to describe it solely as a defective concrete blocks issue. The scientific evidence now shows a far more complex deterioration mechanism involving deleterious materials, aggregate characteristics, environmental exposure and deterioration extending beyond blocks to other concrete elements, including foundations.”
“Language matters because language shapes understanding. When we continue to use outdated terminology, we perpetuate outdated thinking. Homeowners have spent years asking that the science be properly recognised. That science has now been published and it should be reflected in how we speak about this crisis.”
Ward acknowledged that many journalists and public representatives have already begun adopting more accurate terminology and thanked them for doing so.
“I want to acknowledge those in the media and across political parties who have already begun using language that reflects the evidence. My appeal today is for consistency. This is not about semantics or political point-scoring. It is about scientific integrity, public understanding and respect for the thousands of families whose lives have been devastated by this crisis.”
Ward said the publication of the revised IS 465 provides an opportunity to reset the national conversation.
“The science has moved on. Our language must move with it. From this point forward, we should refer to this for what it is: Ireland’s defective concrete crisis.”