Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assure Deputies that I will be brief. A number of points were raised and I will conclude quickly. We have substantially changed the grants, with 100% options all the way through. We have also provided a guaranteed second grant option for non-rebuild remediation if required, with a 40-year guarantee, which is something that residents rightly looked for. It was not there before. It has gone from 20 years to 40 years. We have agreed on the extension of the scheme to other affected counties and have now grounded in national legislation that if other counties are affected, they will also come into the scheme. We have a pathway for that to happen. We have expanded the eligibility past principal private residences, which were covered under the existing east coast scheme for pyrite in the in-fill and foundations, to include second properties registered with the Residential Tenancies Board, for one owner, which did not exist previously. We have an independent appeals mechanism, which is included.

I will conclude on this matter regarding foundations if the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will indulge me for one moment. I said clearly on Second Stage that we need independent scientific research into other materials that may affect foundations. We have established that through the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI, and that work is ongoing. I have been clear with residents and Deputies in the House, on Second Stage, that should it be discovered that other materials, such as pyrrhotite, would have a negative impact on foundations, we will include foundations in the scheme. I said that on Second Stage. Members will know from the joint committee meetings that there were conflicting views on that point. That is why it is important to make sure we are making decisions grounded in scientific advice.

The amendment proposes to have the definition of dwelling prescribed by the Minister in regulations rather than in the Act. The definition of dwelling and, therefore, properties eligible to apply for funding under the grant scheme is a key policy and principle of this scheme. We are looking at other matters such as apartments and homes that may be co-homes, which I am sure we will be able to deal with by way of regulation. I am sure we will be able to do that. There are complexities relating to apartment buildings in particular that need to be worked through. While we can disagree on points, Deputies need to recognise that there have been major advances from the original scheme to now provide 100% redress for families. It is not just for their homes but also for rental homes. There is a 40-year guarantee and a second grant option too. We will work through the regulations over the summer to make sure that we establish a scheme which is fit for purpose. Residents can apply for it and anyone who is in the existing scheme will derive the benefit of the new enhanced rates that we have fought hard for. I will not accept the amendment.

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