Sir, – For those with an interest in history, I would like to point out that in the past there was a system in place to ensure the quality of all concrete blocks used in the State. Prior to its abolition in 1993, the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards operated a concrete cube testing service whereby all concrete blocks used by builders had to undergo a quality test. Such a system would have detected any problems such as those caused by mica or pyrite. Naturally such a system was not loved by the construction industry and this may have been one of the reasons for the decision of the government to abolish the institute. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL
FITZGIBBON,
Donnybrook,
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Dublin 4.