Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Hone and I thank Senator Cummins for allowing me to substitute in this committee matter which is certainly a really difficult issue in my own county of Mayo. I thank our witnesses for being here and for advocating for all of the homeowners in each of their counties and for those who have been seriously impacted, their lives destroyed and their mental health being challenged daily. I also welcome Mr. Conor O'Donnell and thank him for his opening submission on behalf of the Mayo Pyrite Action Group. With regard to his opening submission, I presume the purpose of this engagement is that we would have recommendations or a report to go forward to the Department and the Housing Agency with regard to revising this scheme and listening to both the chairs of the group and those who have been seriously impacted.

I have some questions for Mr. O'Donnell. In his opening statement he talked about the new scheme falling short of meeting the requirements of rebuilding homes in Mayo. Will he elaborate on the aspects he perceives to be delaying mechanisms? I know that Mayo County Council is the lead authority in delivering the scheme but will he summarise the feedback on the ground with regard to how it is being administered?