244. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes, if a small apartment building (details supplied) will be eligible to receive a reimbursement for fire safety remediation works already carried out either under the interim scheme or the upcoming Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39799/24]

My Department has been advancing the steps to put a scheme for the remediation of eligible defects in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991-2013 on a statutory footing as a matter of priority. Given the complexity of the issues, including the significant amount of Exchequer funding that this Government has committed to assist affected homeowners, sufficient time for drafting the legislation has been required to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, provides value for taxpayers' money and contains appropriate oversight and governance measures.

The Heads of the General Scheme have now been completed. On 18 September 2024, the Cabinet approved the priority drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024. The General Scheme is expected to be referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage for pre-legislative scrutiny before the end of this year. Subject to the legislative process, the statutory remediation scheme will be in place shortly thereafter.

With regard to remediation costs previously incurred, the Government has already approved the principle of allowing these to be covered under the statutory scheme, once such costs fall within the scope and defined parameters of the scheme. The details and mechanics of such retrospective payment are currently being worked out as part of the legislative drafting process.