Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
603. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to improve the MICA redress scheme in cases in which a person with a large mortgage and whose home is damaged and uninsurable deems the scheme insufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31245/21]
View answerThe current maximum grant amounts payable under the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme were finalised in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This process also took account of the comprehensive engagement that took place between my Department and both Donegal and Mayo County Councils, who operate and administer the scheme.
With regard to the scheme, the aim is to help in so far as possible to reinstate an average sized dwelling to the condition it would have been in had the original block work not been affected by pyrite/mica. Mindful that the scheme is being funded from the Exchequer the funding must be carefully managed and value for money achieved. The funding available must be used prudently to achieve the most efficient and cost effective outcomes, while benefitting as many homeowners as possible.
Engagement between my Department, the local authorities and local action groups will continue on this matter. In this regard, I have proposed a timebound working group, with representatives from my Department, the local authorities and homeowner representative groups, to review and address any outstanding issues in relation to the operation of the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme, including issues such as grant caps, homeowner contributions, engineering and allowable costs etc. I propose that the recommendations of this working group will inform any changes or improvements to the scheme as may be required, which I will bring forward in conjunction with my Government colleagues, and in particular in consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Attorney General.
