Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----but I have commissioned a reputable, independent report to support what I am saying this evening.

The scheme is a targeted one to assist a restricted group of homeowners who have no other practicable options to access redress. It cannot be expanded to apply to all dwellings where there may be some minimal damage as well as to buildings other than domestic dwellings and to dwellings which have already been remediated. Mindful that the scheme is being funded from the Exchequer, we have to be realistic and understand that the scope of the scheme cannot be open ended. The funding available must be used judiciously to achieve the most efficient, cost effective and equitable outcomes. It is a scheme of last resort to repair homes affected by significant damage where the homeowner has no other practicable option for redress. The benchmark for inclusion in the pyrite remediation scheme is significant damage due to pyritic heave; this is defined as having a damage rating of 2 in accordance with the IS 398-1:2013.

I agree that those responsible should bear the costs and I have done everything possible legally to make sure that was the case. I engaged in protracted discussions with the stakeholders to try to broker a voluntary industry-led solution, and when I failed to get agreement from the parties involved I sought and received approval from the Government to impose levies on the quarrying and insurance sectors as a means of funding the scheme. However, there was a risk that if legally challenged, we would lose the case.

It would take some time for the case to go before the courts and the home owners who are badly affected would be left for another protracted period.

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