Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
733. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it will be ensured that in the review of the defective blocks scheme there would be a requirement for the assessing local authority to conduct a physical site visit of each applicant home being assessed under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40700/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the distress that the issue of defective concrete blocks has caused to the people and families affected. After working with the affected households and local authorities I have established a working group, with representatives from my Department, the local authorities and homeowner representative groups, to quickly review and address any outstanding issues in relation to the operation of the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme, and to provide a report with recommendations by 31 July.
Within the terms of reference the Group are examining issues such as grant caps, homeowner contributions, I.S. 465 testing procedures and allowable costs etc. Engagement with the Working Group is on-going and in line with a request from homeowners, it was agreed that the timeline for the submission of a report by the Working Group would be extended to the end of September. This will allow for further research on core aspects of the scheme, such as the homeowner contribution requirement and the cap on allowable costs. I expect that the review will inform any changes or improvements to the scheme as may be required. Following receipt of a report of the working group I will, following consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Attorney General, bring proposals in this regard to Government.
