Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am in Leinster House. As my time is limited, I will focus initially on the pyrite remediation scheme. I come from a constituency, Mayo, that has seen mounting pressure arising from increased numbers of homes with pyrite-related damage. In the past number of weeks, the impact on housing estates in north Mayo has become evident and the issue is starting to snowball as more residents become aware of issues. Those numbers may reach the hundreds in the months ahead. There are similar issues affecting households in Donegal and many residents feel the remediation scheme for defective building materials that came into effect last June falls short significantly in its intended purpose.

The overwhelming majority of properties require demolition and rebuilding. Many owners are angered by a 90% grant limit for costs, which is capped at €275,000. This approach does not take into account other expenses, such as storing furniture, materials and the cost of living elsewhere in the interim, including paying rent. These people are looking for parity with the current pyrite remediation scheme in place for the east of the country. Rental property availability is also a factor in areas with homes affected by pyrite. Does the Secretary General accept the validity of these concerns?