Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

564. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will amend the pyrite remediation scheme to reflect the present situation for homeowners trying to source rented accommodation during the remediation works where those in larger families moving from a four bedroom home, for example, are going to have to pay more than a single person moving from a one bedroom and that the allowance should be increased for larger families accordingly. [24706/16]

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

618. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to revise the pyrite remediation scheme to increase the amount of accommodation costs covered in view of the spiralling of rental prices since the inception of the scheme (details supplied). [25663/16]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 564 and 618 together.

The provides the statutory framework for the and while the Act provides that the scheme can be amended, replaced or revoked, this can only be done in accordance with the scope of the Act. In this regard, any proposal to revise the pyrite remediation scheme is ultimately a matter for the Pyrite Resolution Board and would require detailed consideration of the evidence to support the case for an amendment to the scheme.

The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” and is limited in its application and scope. The scheme is applicable to dwellings which are subject to significant damage attributable to pyritic heave established in accordance with I.S. 398-1:2013 - Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Part 1: Testing and categorisation protocol. In addition, applicants under the scheme must be able to demonstrate to the Pyrite Resolution Board that they have no practicable options, other than under the scheme, to secure the remediation of their homes.

The scheme provides for the recoupment of the vouched cost of alternative accommodation, furniture removal and storage subject to limits of €3,000 and €2,500 (inclusive of VAT) respectively. However, where a scheme participant can satisfy the Housing Agency, who will be making the payments, in advance that suitable rental accommodation cannot be obtained for €3,000 or less the expenses for the accommodation and furniture removal can be combined, subject to the overall limit of €5,500. In addition, earlier payment in part or in whole may be made where a scheme participant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Housing Agency that payment of these costs on completion of the works would cause financial hardship.

My Department is in regular contact with the Pyrite Resolution Board and the Housing Agency with regard to the implementation of the scheme and is satisfied that the arrangements that are currently in place provide the necessary flexibility to enable scheme participants to meet their alternative accommodation needs while their homes are under remediation.