Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me time. I thank the group representatives for coming in. I am a public representative from Clare so I pay special tribute to Dr. Cleary for all the hard work she has been doing on behalf of the county. I acknowledge the sheer frustration coming from Ms Hanley. I went out to see her house. To know we are still at the start of the process and not on the other side is hugely disappointing because I have seen first-hand the difficulties she has in her property, as with many others in County Clare.

Dr. Cleary mentioned a potential public inquiry. It is important to point out there are offending parties that have gotten away scot-free with this negligent practice that has destroyed these people's homes. Some continue to regulate their own industry. People here today and people across Ireland building a house are paying for a crisis not of their creation through the levy. This conflict and the wider story need to be investigated and those responsible must be held to account. I fully support Dr. Cleary's request for a public inquiry.

Witnesses mentioned significant delays from the Housing Agency. I spoke well over a year ago about the health implications for the witnesses and their family members of the delays, distress, frustration and everything else that comes with not knowing how this process will unfold.

Could she speak to that specific point? The suffering that has gone on behind closed doors for those impacted families is not getting enough airtime at this time.

A new facilitator has been appointed to Clare County Council. Has that helped or alleviated any of the communication issues? Does it promote advocacy of the issues our guests are experiencing with the defective blocks scheme or is the facilitator just assisting with the application process?

The witnesses made the point there is not 100% redress and highlighted the significant impact that is having. Someone who contacted me today about the initial assessment was unsure as to whether they were to pay the bill or what the situation was in that regard. On getting the clarification, it is not being communicated to homeowners and some of these people are in their 80s. It is unfair and unjust that they are having to front-load their payments in the first instance when they were promised 100% redress.