Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2015
41. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on HomeBond's refusal to address structural defects on the grounds that a property has pyrite, including cases where such damage is unrelated to pyrite; if he has had, or plans to have, discussions with HomeBond on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37240/15]
View answerHomeBond is a private limited company providing structural guarantees for new houses; since November 2008, the HomeBond Insurance scheme is underwritten by Allianz Insurance. As is the case for any private company, its operations are a matter for its management and Board of Directors. As a private company, my Department has no role or function in its operations and cannot direct HomeBond to take a particular course of action. In this regard, I have no proposals to meet with HomeBond.
The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from the Housing Agency. The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of "last resort" and is limited in its application and scope to dwellings which have significant damage attributable to pyritic heave established in accordance with I.S. 398-1:2013 Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material - Part 1: Testing and categorisation protocol. Issues which are outside the scope of the pyrite remediation scheme, which is to remediate substantial damage caused by pyritic heave, cannot be addressed under the scheme.
Where matters not covered by the pyrite remediation scheme are noted during the preparation of remedial works plans, the Housing Agency will advise homeowners, as soon as it is possible, to obtain their own independent advice in such matters. Where a structural warranty is in place which provides cover for these defects then it will be incumbent upon the warranty provider to remedy these defects following a valid application from the homeowner in accordance with the terms and conditions of the structural warranty.
My Department is aware that building defects, which are outside the scope of the pyrite remediation scheme, have been identified in a number of dwellings during pyrite remediation works under the scheme. In this context, the Pyrite Resolution Board and the Housing Agency will continue to seek contributions from all parties, including HomeBond, who may have a liability in respect of dwellings which are the subject of applications under the pyrite remediation scheme as those applications are progressed and the contracts for remediation works to affected homes are advanced.
