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Defective Building Materials

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 February 2022

Wednesday, 16 February 2022

Questions (109, 110)

Joe McHugh

Question:

109. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the defective blocks scheme for homeowners in counties Donegal and Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8577/22]

View answer

Joe McHugh

Question:

110. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeframes for publication and enactment of legislation regarding the MICA defective blocks scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8579/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together.

I brought a Memorandum to Government on an enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant (DCB) Scheme on the 30 November 2021. It included an unprecedented suite of improvements to the current scheme. Government approved the enhanced scheme which it is estimated will cost approximately €2.2Bn. 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.

As part of the implementation of the Government decision on changes to the enhanced scheme the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) have agreed to produce a report on up to date construction costs for the type of remediation works carried out under the scheme. The SCSI will be the independent author of this report and it will be a matter for SCSI to decide with whom they consult or collaborate in that regard. On receipt of the report from SCSI I will, in consultation with my Government colleagues, agree on the appropriate grant rates for the enhanced DCB scheme.

I have recently written to the PRO of the Mica Action Group on these matters updating him on work undertaken to date in regard to implementation of the enhanced scheme. I have also recently appointed John O'Connor, former Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Agency, to act as liaison with homeowners on implementation of the scheme changes agreed by Government.

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