Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024
137. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update regarding the issue of mortgageability as it relates to homeowners impacted by defective concrete blocks and the defective concrete block redress scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6963/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has had a number of engagements with the Banking and Payments Federation (BPFI) on specific issues raised by Defective Concrete Block (DCB) homeowners to see what can be done to address their concerns
I set up an Implementation Steering Group for the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, comprised of officials from the relevant local authorities, my Department, the Housing Agency, and the Homeowner's Liaison Officer. A subgroup meeting of the Implementation Group to discuss financial issues and concerns around the mortgageability of DCB remediated homes was held on 11 January 2024 and included representatives from Engineers Ireland, Insurance Ireland, Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, Department of Finance, local authorities and homeowner action groups.
The Government position on this matter was set out clearly at this meeting that it is the understanding and expectation that once a home is certified and remediated under the DCB Scheme that it would then be treated for mortgage purposes in the same manner as any other home.
On 19 January 2024 my Department met with the Housing Agency and Engineers Ireland to discuss the matter of mortgageability raised at the sub group meeting. A further meeting was arranged by my Department with the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland on 7 February 2024 to engage directly with its DCB committee. Both of these meetings were constructive with positive engagement.
As agreed at the sub-group meeting the matter will be progressed further at the group's next meeting which is scheduled to take place on 21 February 2024.
