Bereaved Donegal pensioner with dementia among vulnerable struggling to navigate defective block scheme: Ward
A bereaved Donegal pensioner with dementia is among those struggling to navigate the government’s defective block remediation scheme, local TD Charles Ward has said.
Deputy Ward raised the plight of his constituent and other vulnerable homeowners with the Taoiseach Micheál Martin after the Dáil returned following the summer recess.
"I have a constituent in Donegal who is an elderly man living with dementia. His wife has since passed away. He is now facing the impossible task of negotiating engineers, contractors, finances and building. He is one example of where people are stuck. He is 82 years old.
"He has worked all his life. He has contributed to society. He has done everything that is expected of him. Instead of living life in the last years in comfort, he is trapped in a nightmare where he cannot go forward,” said the 100% Redress TD.
He asked if the government will amend the remediation of dwellings Act 2022 to provide a State-led rebuilding option for vulnerable homeowners, suggesting the creation of a public body or State construction company to help rebuild homes for people who ‘do not have the physical, financial or emotional capacity to do so’.
"Does the Taoiseach accept that vulnerable and elderly people in these circumstances urgently need the State to provide a practical route to a safe home? They do not have the ability to do it themselves. They need help,” he said.
The Taoiseach replied: “Certainly, I will refer this to the Minister for housing. Regarding the defective concrete block scheme, there has been very significant progress. Approximately 3,500 applications have been received, 1,289 applicants have commenced remediation works, 527 homes have completed remediation and 1,462 have submitted remedial works.
"We have spent about €322 million on the scheme so far. In relation to supports, of course people should get support in facilitating them in accessing the scheme, particularly those who are vulnerable and elderly. There have been ongoing amendments and so on in respect of the Act and the legislative framework that governs the defective block programme. I will talk to the Minister in respect of the issues the Deputy raised.”