The legislation needed to provide for the operation of a pyrite remediation scheme and the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB) on a statutory basis is currently in preparation and my Department is working closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to ensure that the Bill is published at the earliest possible date; I hope to bring the legislation to the Oireachtas in this term. The Board is working on developing appropriate systems and procedures, including an online application and processing system, to ensure that it will be in a position to accept applications as soon as the legislation is enacted.
The PRB will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of the remediation scheme and will be supported in this endeavour by the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency. I understand that panels for contractors and other professionals will be established by the Housing Agency; in addition a register of competent persons, who have undertaken appropriate training, has been established by Engineers Ireland to undertake Building Condition Assessments.
Pyrite remediation is an intrusive process and it would not be feasible for homeowners to remain in a dwelling while it is being remediated. While the Board has published an outline of the proposed scheme the full details of the scheme must await the enactment of the legislation. However, it is intended that the vouched costs for alternative accommodation and for the temporary removal, storage and return of furniture and other household items, subject to maximum limits, may be recouped to approved applicants.
