I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 345 together.
I received the final report of the Working Group on Defective Concrete Blocks in early October and since then have engaged in extensive consultation with Government colleagues on the matter. Following completion of this consultative process I brought a Memorandum to Government, setting out proposals for improvements to the existing scheme, it’s future administration and various other matters raised in the Report of the working group.
Government approved the enhanced scheme which it is estimated will cost approximately €2.2Bn and Full details in relation to the changes announced are available at the following link;
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e365e-minister-obrien-announces-enhancements-to-the-defective-concrete-block-scheme/
I aim to bring the required primary legislation to give effect to the enhanced scheme before the Oireachtas as soon as possible with Spring 2022 being the indicative target timeline. Arrangements for the implementation of the scheme will be finalised in parallel with the development of the legislation.