Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late and welcome the delegation. As said earlier by the Chairman, we have asked HomeBond on numerous occasions to attend this committee but it has only shown contempt to us for the past 18 months.

I know of several instances in my constituency. Many Members have highlighted many issues here during the past 12 months. How can Mr. O'Connor say that there are some technical people on the board representing HomeBond when these people have no credibility left whatsoever in respect of this committee or among many of the public throughout the country who have had adverse experiences? I have had experiences and I represent the constituency of Sligo-North Leitrim. There is a scheme of houses in Strandhill and the people there have been affected. I imagine there are similar cases in every constituency and in many towns and villages throughout the country. These people are swanning about and are showing contempt not only to this Oireachtas committee but also to many other people in various parts of the country. They have not been prepared to engage with people and will not engage with the local authorities in respect of issues that have been highlighted in recent years. Will Mr. O'Connor comment in this regard? How can he claim that these people have a representative as a technical person? I believe these people have no credibility left to represent or to be involved in anything. As a result of this meeting we should demand that these people are asked to a meeting here as a matter of urgency.