Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2024
174. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the defective block scheme ancillary grant payment will be raised above €15,000, which is insufficient given the time it is taking to rebuild houses and is causing serious financial difficulties to homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38248/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 ('the 2022 Act') on 22 June 2023, which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
A review mechanism is provided within the 2022 Act, which provides for an increase or decrease of the overall grant scheme cap (currently €420,000) a year after the Act has been commenced by no more than 10%, in accordance with the conditions of Section 11 of the Act.
My Department received updated cost reports from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) that have been considered by the Expert Group I established. The Expert Group has recommended increases under the 2022 Act and I will bring a Memo to Government shortly seeking changes to the scheme cap for remediation options, ancillary grants and the grant rates.
