Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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68. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the Government will acknowledge the need for a 100% redress scheme for homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42867/24]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act), which was commenced on the 22 of June 2023, contains the enhanced grant scheme and the related Regulations were adopted on the 29 of June 2023.

The DCB Scheme is neither a redress nor a compensation scheme, rather it is a grant scheme of last resort to enable affected homeowners remediate their homes and move on with their lives.

Grant rates recommended to Minister O'Brien by the Expert Group were informed by independent cost reports prepared by the Society of Chartered Surveyors. These rates include for the following:

1. Demolition and reconstructions costs

2. Concrete path around the house

3. Disconnection and reconnection of utilities

4. Making good to driveway and garden

5. Professional fees

6. VAT at 13.5% on building costs and 23% on professional fees

My Department was provided with updated costs reports in March 2024 which have been considered by the Expert Group that recommended an increase in the overall scheme cap grant rates and the Government approved these increases on 8 October 2024.

The Government made the Order to increase the overall scheme cap on 22 October 2024- this will mean that the total grant funding available under the scheme will rise to €462,000. Minister O'Brien will very shortly amend the relevant Scheme Regulations to give effect to the rate increases which will benefit all homeowners in the Scheme.