Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy and the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I know I am a visitor here today and not part of this committee, so I really appreciate being let in. I thank all the stakeholders who are here today. This is really helpful, especially at a time when we still have many challenges with the scheme. The more information we can get out there, the better. There were a couple of strong points made earlier that I will come to in a few minutes.

In the context of campaign relating to defective blocks and the subgroup, we are trying to move away from using the word "mica" because we all know that there is more involved. I refer to various deleterious materials. I acknowledge the capacity building that has happened between the BPFI and the relevant sub-committee, namely the finance sub-committee of the defective blocks campaign. There is a strong regard on both sides for what you are all trying to do. I just want to acknowledge that in the first instance. I know Patrick Sharkey and his team. Patrick certainly talks to me about the open line of communication. However, the frustrating part is that there is a proposal sitting on the Department's table. That has come out of those deliberations and conversations.

In my position as a visitor here today, Leas-Chathaoirleach, am I, under Standing Orders, in a position to make a proposal that this committee to write to the Department of housing regarding the proposal that is on the table to free up funding and facilitate liquidity to flow easily, not just for householders but also for contractors and the suppliers? Can the committee do that?