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

In the first instance, I would like to inform the Deputy that we have to work through this, and I believe people will understand the regulations are important to underpin the scheme and its operation. There is no pause on applications coming through. Anyone who applies to the previous scheme will get the uplift of the new scheme and, thankfully, people are applying and we are seeing an increase in applications. The Housing Agency has boots on the ground in Donegal, with a specific team there. It is also providing advice. I have received feedback from three of the four local authorities. Just in the past week, I wrote again to Donegal County Council and we will be meeting with it. It is important we have its input into this but that is not going to delay people accessing, applying or, most importantly, getting applications approved.

On the two specific points raised by the Deputy, the enhanced defective concrete block scheme we have has a cap of €420,000. We are revising the costs within that, independently with the SCSI, which I said I would do. That will cover 99% of homeowners. The average cost in respect of the apartment defects, as the Deputy is aware, is on or around €25,000. It is a different scheme.

In the area of retrospection, however, or costs already incurred, I intend to include a provision for that in the regulations on the basis of certified work. The work has to certified.

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