Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 January 2013
175. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on proposals to address the problem of pyrite in private homes; if he has reached agreement with stakeholders on a remediation scheme; if not, when he intends to impose a statutory levy on the construction/quarrying and insurance sectors; and if he will provide a detailed timescale for action regarding same. [3252/13]
View answerI have recently received Government approval for the imposition of a levy on both the quarrying and insurance sectors, as recommended by the independent Pyrite Panel, in order to provide the funding necessary for the remediation of pyrite damaged dwellings. The imposition of the levies will require legislation and I am committed to having the legislation published and enacted in the shortest timeframe possible.
The Government also approved the establishment of a Resolution Board which will have full oversight of the operation of the remediation scheme to ensure that the public interest, and the particular interest of the affected homeowners, is well served. I am currently finalising the membership of the Board.
The Construction Industry Federation, the Irish Concrete Federation and HomeBond have agreed to establish an entity for the purposes of operating the remediation scheme in respect of those homes affected by pyrite and where the homeowner has no other form of redress. A number of financial institutions have agreed in principle to make initial funding available to facilitate the early commencement of pyrite remediation work and it is intended that the entity will engage with those institutions in relation to this loan facility.
I am not in a position at this stage to set out timescales but want to assure affected homeowners that there will be no undue delay on my part or that of my Department in putting the necessary structures in place for a remediation scheme.
