Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The one thing that we should all learn from the two problematic defective block schemes is that we should not provide a grant scheme for Celtic tiger-era defects. The quickest, most efficient and most cost-effective way are providing these tens of thousands of homeowners with redress is to change the terms of reference for the Pyrite Resolution Board and to allow it to take on an end-to-end scheme to support those homeowners. A grant scheme will be exceptionally difficult to operate, particularly for multi-unit developments where there will be social housing landlords, private landlords, institutional landlords and homeowners. Therefore, I recommend that approach to the Minister.

The problem, however, is this work has already been delayed. The report was meant to be produced in the middle of last year. That is not the Minister’s fault, but it is because the work of the independent group took longer to do, and I not criticising it. However, if we have to wait for legislation, homeowners who are now losing their insurance and homeowners who are at risk of fire safety enforcement are being told essentially to wait for another year or for a year and a half before money starts to come down. Can the Minister give us any insurance that interim measures, retrospective measures or some kind of immediate support could be made available early next year because that is what these homeowners need to hear?

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