Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Given that the families concerned have occupied these houses for the last 30 years, the letter of 11 September was most insensitive. It was a strange way of commencing dialogue to tell the families that they must vacate their homes by October. That is not good practice. Given that the people concerned are now to be given an opportunity to purchase their homes, will the Minister ensure that enough time and every assistance is afforded to them in securing finance, which may be difficult to do in the current climate? The matter should be put in abeyance for a time to allow all concerned to purchase their homes. In the event that some — probably only a small number — are not in position to do so, will the Minister afford them further opportunity by lengthening the period of time available to them?

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