Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the officials for attending this morning. I do not know if they had the benefit of hearing the earlier part of our session. There were very strong and compelling testimonies from homeowners in Mayo, Donegal and Clare. While they appreciated the extensive work that has gone on now for many years from each of the organisations and Departments, which is all very welcome, there was a very clear direction from the homeowners that they have very real and significant concerns. While they made direct criticisms of the revised scheme, in parallel to addressing those concerns, they absolutely want to move ahead with a scheme.

My first question is to the Department, if Mr. Ó Coigligh could respond. I appreciate we have only got six minutes. I suspect my colleagues are going to be looking for answers to these questions as well. Perhaps we can work through the criticisms systematically, which range from the science of the scheme to its implementation. While I acknowledge the last contribution from the NSAI, the homeowners had criticisms of working from IS 465. We heard about the frustrations and challenges homeowners experience due to the complexity of the operation of the revised scheme.

They are concerned that it does not 100% cover of their costs. There are real concerns about the exclusion of foundations and downsizing from the scheme. They talk about the need for direct local co-ordination and project management. They repeatedly referenced a requirement for an end-to-end scheme. How does the Department respond to those criticisms?