Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2017
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which it is possible to re-examine the possibility of providing assistance under the pyrite remediation scheme in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6629/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework within which the pyrite remediation scheme must operate. It is not a compensation scheme and section 14(8) of the Act specifically states that homeowners cannot seek the recoupment of costs associated with the remediation of a dwelling undertaken either prior to the commencement, or outside, of the scheme. This is in line with how similar Government schemes operate or have operated in the past, where prior approval is a key eligibility requirement for inclusion in a scheme.
The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” for affected homeowners who have no other practical option to obtain redress. The full conditions for eligibility are set out in the scheme, which is available on the Board’s website ( www.pyriteboard.ie). The scheme is applicable to dwellings which are subject to significant damage attributable to pyritic heave established in accordance with I.S. 398-1:2013 - Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Part 1: Testing and categorisation protocol. It is a condition of eligibility under the scheme that an application to the Board must be accompanied by a Building Condition Assessment with a Damage Condition Rating of 2. In addition, applicants under the scheme must be able to demonstrate to the Board that they have no practicable options, other than under the scheme, to secure the remediation of their homes. I have no plans to amend the legislation in this regard.
