Written Answers Nos. 28-43
28. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a letter of 12 May 2015 from his Department to a person (details supplied) regarding the shortfall in Irish Water revenue and the implications that will have for continued Government subvention. [22070/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish Water is being funded by a combination of domestic and non-domestic water charges, Government support and the raising of debt on capital markets.
The main aspects of the Irish Water funding model are set out in a detailed fact sheet published on my Department's website. In 2015 Irish Water expects billed income from domestic customers to total €271m and from non-domestic customers to total some €229m, giving a total billed income from customers of €500m.
Government funding is by way of operational subvention, loans and capital contributions. Specifically, the Government will provide €399m in operating subvention to Irish Water in 2015. This subvention will be paid in respect of the child allowance of 21,000 litres per child per annum, a product subsidy and the capping of domestic water charges at the rates set out in the Water Services Act 2014.
The letter of 12 May 2015, referred to in the Question, reflects the current funding position and outlines the conditions associated with the provision of this Government subvention. The conditions around drawdown recognise that there may be variances between forecasts and actual funding attributable to the actual volume of water, number of households and number of children. The letter indicates that while this may lead to a funding requirement of less than the amounts agreed by Government, they cannot lead to the position where there would be an expectation of increased Government subvention. I am satisfied that my Department and Irish Water will be keeping under review all inputs and assumptions and will continue to assess the impact of additional data on Irish Water's finances as such data becomes available.
29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when it is envisaged that the national statement of projected housing supply and demand for this year will be published; if the statement will contain recommendations; and how these will be acted upon. [22321/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 1 under Construction 2020 includes a commitment to put in place a National Framework for Housing Supply, ensuring a balanced approach in which the supply of housing is matched with projected demand, and in which emerging imbalances can be identified and rectified at an early stage. A core aspect of the National Housing Framework is the analysis of supply and projected demand data, broken down on a national and local basis, with information on housing types and sizes a key feature.
This action also includes a commitment to publish an annual National Statement of Projected Housing Supply and Demand. The Housing Agency, in consultation with my Department, is leading on delivery of this action and I expect the first of these Statements to be finalised by the end of June 2015.
On receipt of the final Statement, I will consider its contents, in the context of future housing policy developments.
30. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of the Focus Ireland report on family homelessness in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22331/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department liaises with a range of stakeholders, including non-governmental service providers such as Focus Ireland, on an ongoing basis in relation to issues of homelessness.
The Government's Homelessness Policy Statement, which was published in February 2013, outlines the Government's aim to end long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. A range of measures are being taken to secure a ring-fenced supply of accommodation to house homeless households and mobilise the necessary supports in order to deliver on the Government's target of ending involuntary long-term homelessness. These measures have been identified in the Government's Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessness (May 2014) and in the Action Plan to Address Homelessness (December 2014). Progress in implementing these plans is reported through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plans and progress reports are available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/
31. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the recent Tyrell report (details supplied), HomeBond's Repudiation of Purchasers' Claims - Was it Justified, a Report on the Repudiation by HomeBond of Purchasers, Claims under the Major Defects Warranty in the Homebond Agreement for Damages caused by Pyritic Heave; and if he will act to ensure that HomeBond delivers on its responsibilities to home owners who purchased houses backed by HomeBond guarantee. [22488/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has received a copy of the report and has noted its contents. In this regard, my Department has previously put on record its strong disagreement with the stance adopted by HomeBond in withdrawing, in August 2011, cover for pyrite-related damage to homeowners. Following publication of the Report of the Pyrite Panel (July 2012), my Department engaged in protracted discussions with the key stakeholders, including HomeBond, to try and put in place a framework within which the parties, which had been identified in the report as being responsible for the pyrite problem, could bring about a resolution for affected homeowners; regrettably, this did not prove possible.
HomeBond is a private limited company providing structural guarantees for new houses and, since November 2008, the HomeBond Insurance scheme is underwritten by Allianz Insurance. As is the case for any private company, its operations are a matter for its management and Board of Directors. My Department understands that HomeBond Insurance Services Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. As a private company, my Department has no role or function in its operations and cannot direct HomeBond to take a particular course of action.
However, the Pyrite Resolution Board will continue to seek contributions from parties who may have a liability in respect of dwellings which are the subject of applications under the pyrite remediation scheme as those applications are progressed and the contracts for remediation works to affected homes are advanced.
32. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the recent finding (details supplied) that of the 3,427 dwellings Dublin City Council inspected in 2014, only 924 passed the regulatory requirements to allow the property to be rented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22328/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. These Regulations were updated by the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2009. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department. This funding is provided from 20% of Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) tenancy registration fee income.
Additional funding was provided in 2010 for once-off strategically planned programmes of inspection known as 'intensified inspection projects'. Funding for these projects was awarded where housing authorities agreed to undertake additional, targeted inspection activity, over and above what they would conduct as part of their usual inspection programme.
A total of 20 applications was received and Dublin City Council was awarded €1,099,135 for its intensified inspection programme. The programme focussed on areas with a high concentration of pre-1963 multi-unit buildings.
This programme of inspections has been very successful. Based on information supplied by Dublin City Council, approximately 6,360 private rented units had been inspected by end of March 2015, with 12,668 inspections undertaken overall. To date, 4,160 units have been brought into compliance with the legislation. Enforcement action taken in 2014 alone resulted in 2,577 rented properties being brought into compliance. Action on the remainder will continue, including legal action where appropriate.
My Department is currently collating 2014 inspection data and will publish these online in due course. Data for previous years are available at: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics
33. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of the 20,000 new social housing units promised by 2017 his Department plans to build, to lease and to buy; the number of the remaining 15,000 promised by 2020 his Department plans to build, lease and buy; if he is satisfied with his Department's plans to lease a proportion of the planned new social housing units from private landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22072/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe social housing targets that I recently announced for all local authorities out to 2017 include almost 7,500 units that will be capital-funded and 15,400 current-funded units, of which 11,400 will be delivered through leasing and 4,000 delivered through the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
From 2018 to 2020 the equivalent figures are almost 4,700 units that will be capital-funded and 14,000 current-funded units, of which 12,000 will be delivered through leasing and 2,000 delivered through the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
Local authorities are responsible for the detailed planning of social housing provision based on the needs of their areas. It is a matter for each local authority to identify the appropriate initiatives to respond to their housing need, including consideration by them of options in respect of new building developments, property acquisition, leasing and the provision of housing supports through the private rental sector.
There are a wide range of delivery mechanisms under the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP). Under SHCEP, units can be acquired directly by local authorities through rental or leasing arrangements. They can also be sourced by approved housing bodies through construction, purchase or leasing arrangements and can be leased by both AHBs and local authorities from the NAMA special purpose vehicle. It is important that local authorities utilise all of the delivery mechanisms available to them under SHCEP in order to meet their targets under the Strategy. I am satisfied that there is a sufficiently broad range of delivery mechanisms under SHCEP to facilitate this.
34. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a detailed progress report on the planned waste to energy facility in Ringsend including the cost of the project, the capacity of the incinerator and the amount of waste currently being produced here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22334/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dublin Waste to Energy Project is a Public Private Partnership between Dublin City Council, acting on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities, and Covanta. In accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Acts, the preparation and adoption of a waste management plan, including in respect of infrastructure provision, is the statutory responsibility of the local authority or authorities concerned. I have no function in the matter.
The facility has received an Industrial Emissions Licence under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992. The licence in question, including all conditions attached in relation to, inter alia, operational capacity can be viewed at www.epa.ie
Statistics in relation to waste production are published biannually by the EPA as part of the National Waste Report. The most up-to- date National Waste Report relates to waste produced and disposed of during 2012 and is available to download at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/waste/stats/#.VXBg_uHIgto
In addition, the EPA also publishes waste bulletins from time to time which provide statistics on key waste categories. The figures for 2013 are also available at the above address.
35. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the decision by the Minister for Social Protection to maintain the current rate of the rent supplement despite clear evidence that limits are too low for persons to secure accommodation; the measures that are being put in place to address the homelessness crisis arising from the mismatch between rents and rent supplement rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22327/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the Rent Supplement scheme is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Social Protection published a review of the maximum rent limits under the Rent Supplement scheme on 27 March 2015 and this review is available through that Department's website.
A range of measures are being taken to secure a ring-fenced supply of accommodation to house homeless households and mobilise the necessary supports in order to deliver on the Government's target of ending involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. These measures have been identified in the Government's Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessness (May 2014) and in the Action Plan to Address Homelessness (December 2014). Progress in implementing these plans is reported through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plans and progress reports are available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/
36. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the conditions of testing for the lifeguard certification, currently presided over by the Irish Water Safety committee; his views on whether the current standard and method of testing is fair, transparent and equal for all candidates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16516/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been advised by Irish Water Safety that they train and certify approximately 3,000 lifeguards each year to best international practice and that their certification processes are designed to be fair, transparent and equal for all candidates. The equivalency and recognition tables of the International Life Saving Federation at http://www.ilsf.org/certification/equivalency-tables indicate the qualifications of the countries, which Irish Water Safety recognises for use in Ireland.
Some 450 lifeguards are employed by local authorities during the summer bathing season. Irish Water Safety tests several hundred qualified lifeguards around the country on behalf of those local authorities employing lifeguards at beaches, rivers or lakes. Candidates undergo pool-based water and Basic Life Support tests, and all candidates who achieve a pass mark in both disciplines are listed in order of merit for each local authority area. An Irish Water Safety Examiner from a local authority area other than the local authority area concerned oversees these examinations.
The list of qualifying candidates is sent to each local authority for final selection and appointment of the lifeguards required by the local authority. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for staffing and organisation arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
37. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his assessment of the number of senior citizens complexes being built by local authorities and his involvement in ensuring local authorities are planning ahead to accommodate the ageing population in their areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22066/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are responsible for the detailed planning of social housing provision based on the needs of their areas, which can vary with regard to the age profile and associated housing need from one local authority to another. Accordingly, it is a matter for each local authority to identify the appropriate initiatives to respond to their housing need, including appropriate accommodation for older people.
All social housing proposals funded by my Department must also comply with the principles of Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities, which state that the choice of mix of dwellings for social housing developments should be based primarily on the results of the most recent assessment of housing need. Regard should be had to the need to achieve a balanced mix of dwelling types, sizes and tenure, both in an immediate locality and in the housing stock as a whole.
In addition to supporting local authorities in respect of their social housing developments, including developments for older people, my Department also funds the Capital Assistance Scheme. That provides support via local authorities for approved housing bodies to provide sheltered housing for older people, as well as people with a disability and homeless persons.
38. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether, based on the important work done at local level and the great commitment provided by local councillors throughout the country, those councillors who have no alternative source of income should be paid the equivalent of the average industrial wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18269/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA range of financial supports are already in place to assist councillors in their work. These include an annual representational payment of €16,565, annual expenses allowances, a mobile phone allowance, and allowances for Chairs.
The representational payment is recognition of the work that councillors volunteer to undertake when they stand for election and subsequently serve their community. It is not, and was never meant to be, a salary. Elected members have a commitment to their role that extends beyond financial matters; while councillors know that the representational payment is not fully commensurate with their workload, they continue to undertake their functions with an admirable degree of dedication.
Significant changes have been made to local government structures by the provisions of the Local Government Reform Act 2014. I have recently initiated a review in relation to the operation of the new structures and arrangements generally. This appraisal is being undertaken by a broadly representative Advisory Group and a Forum for engagement with the Association of Irish Local Government. The review will provide a sound evidence base upon which to consider any further changes to the operation of the local government system in Ireland.
I have no doubt that the workload of local authority members in the context of the new structures, and the associated financial arrangements, will arise for consideration in the course of the review and full account will be taken of all views expressed on this, and other matters, as the work proceeds.
39. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation that places an obligation on local authorities to provide families who become homeless with access to emergency accommodation, rather than merely placing an obligation on them to assess these families, as is the case presently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22069/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Housing Act 1988, it is a matter for the housing authority concerned to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless. Any person regarded as homeless by a housing authority may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation, which the housing authority may arrange itself or which may be operated by a State-funded service provider, without the requirement to undergo a social housing assessment and be approved for social housing supports. I am not considering any amendment to the existing arrangements which give housing authorities the flexibility that is essential to respond quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may present to them.
40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department continues to monitor local authority housing needs throughout the Dublin and adjoining local authorities, such as counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, with a view to identifying the extent to which further measures may be necessary to meet the extreme housing shortage and the burgeoning number of housing applicants on local authority waiting lists; if he is aware of the extent to which waiting lists have increased in the past 12 months; his ongoing proposals to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22337/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Summary of Social Housing Assessments 2013 identified 89,872 households assessed by local housing authorities as being eligible and in need of some form of social housing support, and these results are the most up-to-date figures available on the number of households qualified for support. However, in order to get the most accurate data relating to the numbers applying for social housing support, the Government's Social Housing Strategy 2020, published in November 2014, includes a commitment to increase the regularity of the summary of social housing assessments by undertaking it on annual basis from 2016 onwards.
The 2013 Summary results were analysed by the Housing Agency and on the basis of the certain assumptions and having regard to housing support mechanisms including the roll-out of the Housing Assistance Payment, a requirement was identified for an additional 35,000 properties for social housing.
The targeted provision in the Social Housing Strategy of over 110,000 social housing units to 2020, through the delivery of 35,000 new social housing units and meeting the housing needs of some 75,000 households through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme, will address the needs of the 90,000 households on the housing waiting list in full, with flexibility to meet potential future demand.
The Strategy will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 targets the delivery of 18,000 additional housing units and 32,400 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units, by the end of 2017. In phase 2, spanning the years 2018 to 2020, the strategy targets the delivery of 17,000 additional units and 43,000 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units. In addition, the implementation of the range of actions under Construction 2020 will support increased supply in the wider housing market.
Earlier this year my Department requested and received proposals from all local authorities on their planned delivery of new social housing units out to 2017. In that context, on 5 May I announced the first phase of a major social housing construction investment programme, with a value of €312 million, covering all 31 local authorities and with over 1,700 housing units to be built across some 100 separate projects.
Local authorities are responsible for the detailed planning of social housing provision based on the needs of their areas. It is a matter for each local authority to identify the appropriate initiatives to respond to their housing need, including consideration by them of options in respect of new building developments, property acquisition, leasing and the provision of housing supports through the private rental sector.
41. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline any considerations he and his Department have given to the issue of mica-affected homes in County Donegal; if he will outline his Department's advice on the way affected householders might be able to proceed in engaging with his Department on this issue; the financial supports there are for persons who find themselves in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22324/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general, building defects are matters for resolution between contracting parties, i.e. the homeowner, the builder, the materials supplier and/or their respective insurers. In the event that the parties cannot reach a settlement by negotiation the option of seeking redress in the Courts can be considered. My Department understands that legal proceedings have been instigated in some of the cases relating to this problem. Typically, there are no financial supports available from the State on the grounds that it is a matter for the parties responsible for the poor workmanship and/or the supply of defective materials to face up to their responsibilities and to take appropriate action to provide remedies to the affected homeowners.
I fully appreciate and acknowledge the extremely difficult and distressing situations that certain homeowners in Donegal are facing on account of damage to the structural integrity of their homes and, consequently, my Department met with a number of the affected homeowners in early December 2014. At that meeting, my Department requested copies of test reports from accredited laboratories on the affected concrete blocks, which had been commissioned by a number of homeowners, in order to provide a robust and scientific insight into the problems that have emerged.
Following my visit earlier this year to a number of the affected homes, copies of the requested test reports were provided to my Department and have now been reviewed. A technical report has been prepared and is currently under consideration.
42. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the availability of adequate critical infrastructure, such as housing; the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the availability of such facilities and plan for the future accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18191/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncreasing the supply of private and social housing and rebuilding the capacity of the construction sector to deliver that infrastructure are key priorities for this Government. The overall strategic objective of the Government's housing strategy is to enable all households access good quality housing appropriate to household circumstances and in their particular community of choice.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government published the comprehensive Construction 2020 Strategy for a Renewed Construction Sector in May 2014 aimed at addressing issues in the property and construction sectors and ensuring that any critical bottlenecks that might impede the sector in meeting residential and non-residential demand are addressed. The Strategy incorporates 75 specific actions encompassing the development of an overall strategic approach to housing supply, identifying and implementing further improvements to the planning system to facilitate appropriate development, and seeking to improve financing options for development and mortgage provision.
My Department takes the lead on a range of actions under Construction 2020 relating to housing and planning, including the publication of the Social Housing Strategy in November 2014 and two significant pieces of legislation.
The Urban Regeneration and Housing Bill, aimed primarily at addressing the current housing supply shortage situation, providing for the revision of the Part V arrangements on social and affordable housing; retrospective application of reduced development contribution charges; the introduction of a vacant site levy to incentivise urban regeneration and the provision of housing in central urban areas, was published last week. This Bill is targeted for enactment before the summer recess.
The Planning and Development (No. 2) Bill provides for the primary planning-related recommendation of the Mahon Tribunal, namely the establishment of a new Office of the Planning Regulator; a legislatively defined approach to the development of a successor strategy to the 2002 National Spatial Strategy - the National Planning Framework - and enhanced transparency in, and streamlining of, the planning system. This Bill is due to be brought to Government seeking approval to publish before the summer recess.
Construction 2020 seeks to realign housing demand and supply and promote stability in the sector. We are already beginning to see some welcome and positive signs of recovery in the sector. Particularly notable in this regard is the increase in the number of house completions in 2014 to 11,016 units nationally – an increase of 33% on the 2013 figure.
Furthermore, the Social Housing Strategy was developed under Action 8 of Construction 2020 and is a key component in the delivery of social housing infrastructure. The targeted social housing provision of over 110,000 social housing units, through the delivery of 35,000 new social housing units and meeting the housing needs of some 75,000 households through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme, will address the needs of the 90,000 households on the housing waiting list in full, with flexibility to meet potential future demand. Importantly, the Strategy restores the State to a central role in the provision of social housing.
The Strategy will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 targets the delivery of 18,000 additional housing units and 32,400 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units, by the end of 2017. In phase 2, spanning the years 2018 to 2020, the strategy targets the delivery of 17,000 additional units and 43,000 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) units.
With regard to monitoring progress, effective on-going cross-Government coordination is essential for the successful delivery of all actions included in both Strategies. My colleague, Minister of State Coffey has special responsibility for Housing, Planning and Coordination of Construction 2020 and the implementation of the Strategy is overseen by the Construction 2020, Housing Planning and Mortgage Arrears Cabinet sub-Committee, which is chaired by An Taoiseach.
Likewise, the Social Housing Strategy has a clear governance structure in place to drive and oversee measured output and outcomes. The Strategy is clear, measurable and targeted to increase the supply of social housing, reform delivery arrangements and meet the housing needs of all households on the housing list. In order to do that, Ministers Coffey and I co-chair a high level Oversight Group where all key delivery agents from my Department, local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform; Finance; and Social Protection are represented.
Since the Strategy was published details of over €1.5 billion for building, purchase and leasing schemes, to accommodate 25% of the housing list by 2017, has been announced and €312m was approved for the first tranche of building 1,700 social housing units. The projects will have a knock on effect of creating approximately 3,000 jobs in construction. As more projects are approved there will be a series of further announcements. The Government is committed to ensuring that every household will have access to secure, good quality housing suited to their needs at an affordable price in a sustainable community.
43. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has read the report by an eminent insurance claims expert (details supplied) which argues, based on insurance case law, that the denial of responsibility letter issued by HomeBond on 31 August 2011 in relation to pyrite cases has no basis in law and that the claims by householders were not invalidated by the High Court decision in James Elliot v. Irish Asphalt; his views on the implications of the work of the Pyrite Resolution Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22487/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has received a copy of the report and has noted its contents. In this regard, my Department has previously put on record its strong disagreement with the stance adopted by HomeBond in withdrawing, in August 2011, cover for pyrite- related damage to homeowners. Following publication of the Report of the Pyrite Panel (July 2012), my Department engaged in protracted discussions with the key stakeholders, including HomeBond, to try and put in place a framework within which the parties, which had been identified in the report as being responsible for the pyrite problem, could bring about a resolution for affected homeowners; regrettably, this did not prove possible.
HomeBond is a private limited company providing structural guarantees for new houses and, since November 2008, the HomeBond Insurance scheme is underwritten by Allianz Insurance. As is the case for any private company, its operations are a matter for its management and Board of Directors. My Department understands that HomeBond Insurance Services Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. As a private company, my Department has no role or function in its operations.
However, in the context of the pyrite remediation scheme, an agreement was reached between the Pyrite Resolution Board and HomeBond in June 2014 under which HomeBond has agreed to contribute technical and project management services to the Board to the value of €2 million. Such services include assisting in organising and managing the testing of dwellings and project management of remediation contracts. HomeBond has also agreed to make available to the Pyrite Resolution Board/Housing Agency the results of testing undertaken by it prior to the operation of the scheme.
As matters stand, over 730 applications have been received under the pyrite remediation scheme and the Board will continue to accept applications from homeowners, and will continue to remediate dwellings, subject to those applications meeting the eligibility criteria of the scheme.
