Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
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357. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government whether his Department is considering changes to the ‘enhanced defective concrete block scheme’ regarding extensions to the accommodation allowance due to delays that are outside the control of the homeowner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4147/25]

Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
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358. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when legislation will be changed in order to facilitate the retrospective payment of the rate and cap increases to participants in the ‘enhanced defective concrete block scheme’; if the increases will be applied to the small number of houses that have completed works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4149/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together.

The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) was commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.

A review mechanism is provided within the Act, which provides for an increase or decrease the overall grant scheme cap a year after the Act has been commenced by no more than 10%, in accordance with the conditions of Section 11 of the Act.

Following updated cost reports from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and advice from the Expert Group established to consider the matter, a further increase was provided for on 23 October 2024 through . The Scheme Cap has risen by 10% to €462,000. An increase in the scheme grant rates of between 7.4% and 8.7% that are set out in the 2023 Regulations was also approved on 7 November 2024. .

Provision for alternative accommodation costs, storage costs and immediate repair works to a maximum value of €25,000 are provided for within the overall grant cap. These amounts also increased by 10% (from 23 October 2024) to a maximum value of €27,500 and within this vouched accommodation costs are an allowable cost subject to a maximum of €16,500 per household in the event that the applicant has to move out when remediation works are ongoing.

These increases currently apply to eligible relevant owners that are yet to receive a determination in respect of remediation option and grant amount. My Department sought legal advice that confirmed that extending these increases to a wider group of relevant owners requires amending the Act. My Department is currently progressing this matter.