The former housing secretary claimed attempts to punish Kingspan, Arconic and Celotex when he was in government had been blocked.

The new body was set up as part of the deal between the British government and the DUP that saw powersharing return to Northern Ireland.

Ministers in Dublin are deliberating on whether to mount an interstate case against the UK.

The Levelling Up Secretary made his remarks as he closed an investment conference in Belfast.

It comes following a report suggesting the firm would pay for remediation work in high-rise buildings where its cladding had been used

Micheál Martin said Anglo-Irish relations have improved ‘very significantly’ as he expressed hope of a resolution to the stand-off.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis has resigned from the UK government, piling further pressure on embattled British prime minister Boris Johnson.