Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
644. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details on how the interim fire safety defect scheme will work for individuals who have already paid for defects to be repaired; how refunds will be provided (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14352/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra681. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if those affected have to pay out in relation to the fire safety redress scheme in order that works can be completed and then the OMC can seek the refund from the redress scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14984/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 644 and 681 together.
I announced on 11 December 2023 the opening of the Interim Remediation Scheme (Scheme) for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. The Scheme, which is being administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis, is open to applications from apartment Owner Management Companies (OMCs) via the Housing Agency’s website:
www.housingagency.ie/interim-remediation-scheme-fire-safety-defects-eligible-apartments-and-duplexes-2023.
The Interim Remediation Scheme (which relates to fire safety defects only) operates as follows: OMCs submitting a valid application will receive funding to carry out the necessary remedial works. Payments will be made under the Scheme based on invoices submitted by OMCs. Only applications from authorised representatives of OMCs will be considered. Funding will not, under any circumstances, be directly allocated to any individual homeowner through this Scheme.
In respect of refunds for outlay already made by homeowners before the interim scheme came into operation, the Government has approved the principle of allowing remediation costs already incurred or levied to be covered under the forthcoming statutory remediation scheme, once such costs fall within the scope and defined parameters of the scheme. My Department is preparing the legislation to put the remediation scheme on a statutory footing as a matter of priority. The statutory scheme will cover defects caused by water ingress and structural defects as well as those related to fire safety. The details and mechanics of retrospective payment will be worked out as this legislation is drafted. It is expected the draft legislation will be published in 2024 and that, subject to the legislative process, the statutory scheme will be in place shortly thereafter.
