Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
377. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider the centralisation of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme, the pyrite remediation scheme, the defective apartments and duplexes remediation scheme and any other relevant scheme to expedite and simplify the roll-out of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33730/23]
View answerThe question refers to three housing remediation schemes. One that is mature and has been operating for a decade and another which was launched just two weeks ago. The legislation for the final one, apartment defects, is still under development. For that reason it would be difficult at this point in time to centralise the approach taken to all three.
All the schemes refer to addressing underlying defects with our national housing stock. However, they are fundamentally different in other ways in for example, the nature and causes of defects, and the scale and scope and the geographical impact. That said, one thing they do have in common is the active involvement of the Housing Agency. I can give an assurance that any synergies that can be leveraged will certainly be actively explored. I understand that the Housing Agency has already begun a process of internal restructuring in order to bring all the elements of their involvement in the various schemes together under one coherent directorate within the Agency. In addition, policy responsibility for all three schemes is being brought together in one unit of my Department.
Furthermore, as part of the recently announced Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Scheme I have set up an Implementation Steering Group, comprised of officials from the relevant local authorities, my Department, the Housing Agency, and the Homeowner's Liaison Officer. This Group will meet shortly and will keep the operation of the regulations and guidelines under review. Whilst I am satisfied that the approach being taken under the DCB Scheme is the right one and that the current delivery model for the Pyrite Remediation Scheme has worked well I remain open to an examination of whether or not there are compelling reasons to look at how the operation and delivery model of the various schemes can be monitored, simplified and streamlined for the benefit of all concerned.
