Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 March 2014
20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government noting the €10 million of taxpayers' money committed to the pyrite remediation scheme, if he will remediate between 200 and 250 damaged houses; the position regarding the additional funding required; and if he will levy HomeBond which walked away from its supposed structural guarantee and the accounts of which show a surplus of €25 million. [11849/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pyrite Resolution Board commenced accepting applications from eligible home owners for inclusion in the pyrite remediation scheme on 26 February 2014. The Board is committed to moving as quickly as possible to the works phase of the remediation process and I understand that it is their intention that this phase will commence in the second half of the year.
The initial phase of the remediation programme will deal with approximately 1,000 dwellings which, it is estimated, are in need of repair. In October 2013 the Government approved initial funding of €10 million for the implementation of the scheme in 2014 and 2015. Further funding will be provided over the next two years following consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and me and in the context of a further capital stimulus package. It is not possible at this point to look beyond the figure of 1,000 dwellings which may be in need of repair but there are a number of positive indications, including the number of expressions of interest registered with the Pyrite Resolution Board, which suggests that this figure is credible and the number of dwellings requiring remediation may not be as great as initially anticipated. The post-2015 funding requirement will be dealt with at that stage having regard to developments over the interim period.
HomeBond is a private company whose operations are governed by company law and which has the same protections in law as are afforded to any other private company; neither I nor my Department have any legal basis under which a levy could be imposed on the funds held by HomeBond. However, the Pyrite Resolution Board is in discussions with HomeBond with a view to finalising an agreement, shortly, whereby HomeBond will make a non-financial contribution to the remediation process. This will involve making staff available to assist in the provision of certain services to the Board, including testing, project management and other services as agreed; all services will be provided at no cost and will be carried out under the direction and supervision of the Board and/or the Housing Agency.
