Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
533. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an Owners Management Company (OMC) will be able to retrospectively apply for funding under the apartment and duplex defects remediation scheme for works already completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51930/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra562. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if owner management companies will be able to apply for the apartment and duplex defects remediation scheme retrospectively. [51520/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 533 and 562 together.
The Apartments and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme (‘Scheme’) is expected to be established shortly after the passage of the legislation (the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill ('the Bill')), the timeline for which is subject to Oireachtas process. The General Scheme of the Bill will be made available to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny as soon as is practicable and I would anticipate this happening in the Dáil autumn term.
The Government is committed to consideration of remediation costs already incurred as part of the drafting of the Bill. The Apartments and Duplex Defects Remediation Statutory Scheme, including provision for retrospective payment, is expected to be established shortly after the passage of the legislation.
A Retrospective Costs Pathfinder project using a representative sample of Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs) has been established to identify an appropriate process to address retrospective issues more broadly. In particular, the Pathfinder project will support development of a robust process around: Alignment with the existing Interim Remediation Scheme processes;
• Supporting Documentation and Timeframes;
• Certification and Standardisation of Evidence;
• Verification and Payment processes.
As the design of the retrospective element of the Statutory Scheme will be informed by the outcomes of the Retrospective Costs Pathfinder project, it is not currently possible to provide further details of how retrospective payment will operate in practice. The aim is to identify a process that provides a streamlined approach, ease of engagement by applicants and ensures good governance regarding Exchequer funding.
