Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is right that the State step in to try to remedy this horrendous situation for people. Equally, it is right that the Exchequer should be compensated by those who supplied dangerous material, particularly when they did so for profit. I return to what measures will be taken on the subrogation issue. The Minister said in November that recovering money for the Exchequer is a priority. Winter came to a close and two more seasons have passed since then. Terms of reference for senior counsel have not been drafted and nobody has been appointed to look at it. One of the big issues is statutes of limitation around this. Whatever chance there was of recovering money if one moved speedily, I respectfully suggest that this elapse of time does not reflect any sense of urgency on the part of the Department.