Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The overall Government response to the problems associated with defective concrete blocks is led by my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and his Department is engaging with impacted householders and other relevant stakeholders.

In particular, the Department of Housing has established an Implementation Steering Group for the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme which comprises officials from that Department, relevant local authorities, the Housing Agency, and the Homeowner's Liaison Officer.

In addition, a sub-group of the Implementation Group has also been established. This is chaired by the Department of Housing, and includes representation from other public bodies, including the Department of Finance, and relevant non-Governmental bodies including Engineers Ireland, Insurance Ireland, Banking and Payments Federation Ireland and homeowner action group representatives. The sub-group objective is to consider financial issues and the issue of the 'mortgageabilty' of homes remediated under the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme.

This sub-group has met on two occasions this year and as necessary my Department will continue to liaise with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as that Department leads on the implementation of all aspects of the redress scheme and as it progresses the overall Government response to dealing with the significant problem of homes affected by defective concrete blocks.