We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Defective blocks grant scheme

Summary

Deputy Pringle argued that the new SEAI grant arrangements for defective blocks had reduced support for affected homeowners. The Tánaiste said grants of up to €420,000 were available, the scheme had been operating satisfactorily, and he would ask the Minister to engage with the Deputy.

Once again, the Government has stumbled blindly into yet another defective blocks fiasco of its own making. I know this will probably annoy and set off the Tánaiste, since he is convinced that the whole thing is sorted, but I am here to remind him again this week that it is not. Three weeks ago today, the Minister, Deputy Ryan, announced that SEAI grants would be available in a co-ordinated and specific way for homeowners with defective blocks. Now it turns out that those who qualified for enhanced home energy upgrades prior to this will not be able to carry over eligibility to the enhanced schemes. This targets the most vulnerable and socioeconomically deprived in County Donegal. As an example, the dry-lining grant aid will be halved in this scenario, external insulation grants will be decreased by almost 50% and many other headings will see homeowners receive 20% to 30% less on average. It is affecting those on working family payment, the one-parent family payment, domiciliary care allowance, carer's allowance and disability allowance. It is an own goal. Will the Tánaiste speak to the Minister to make sure it is changed and made more responsive?

Comment on this

I did not quite pick up the specifics of the points the Deputy was making.

Comment on this

The grant scheme has been reduced for people with defective blocks.

Comment on this

Grants of up to €420,000 are now available for affected homeowners depending on the works required under the scheme. A report on the first six months of the operation of the scheme was recently prepared for the Minister and it concluded that the scheme was operating satisfactorily. Minor suggestions for improvements were made and are in the process of being implemented. I will ask the Minister to engage with the Deputy.

Comment on this

I call Deputy Robert Troy.

Comment on this

Eamon Ryan is the Minister. The SEAI-----

Comment on this

That was-----

Comment on this

I call Deputy Robert Troy.

Comment on this