Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 October 2013
160. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a decision has been made on the levy to apply to industry as part of the pyrite resolution process; if he will provide an update on the process; if legislation is needed and ready; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42770/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing Government Decisions of 18 December 2012 and 30 April 2013 work commenced in my Department on developing the legislation required to provide for the funding of a pyrite remediation scheme and the necessary structures to deliver an effective and efficient remediation process. While it was my intention to have this legislation published and enacted in the previous Dáil term this was not possible as a number of legal issues arose which have to be addressed.
I am working, with my Department, to ensure that these issues are resolved as a matter of urgency and in this context I will be bringing proposals to Government shortly. In tandem with the development of the necessary legislation, I understand that the Pyrite Resolution Board is working on the delivery of its online application and processing system. While there has been some slippage in the timeline as originally envisaged, the Board is committed to having the system operable as quickly as possible.
I am acutely aware that many homeowners have been waiting for effective solutions for a considerable period of time and, accordingly, I will continue to attach the utmost priority to providing the structures necessary to deliver a practical resolution to the pyrite problem as early as possible.
