Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

These people are entitled to be heard and recognised. They have consulted solicitors on the issue. They thought their case might be recognised through the courts or the law. They are now relying on this legislation. I ask the Minister of State to reconsider the amendment. It is the way to solve this problem. If the problem is not solved through this legislation, it will not go away. It will continue to fester and will be an issue at every election. These are determined people.

The Minister of State must note that, 20 years on, the legislation calls for these people to seek a mortgage to purchase their flats. We all know mortgages are time constrained. These people are now 20 years older. One woman, for example, has been trying to purchase her flat for the past 15 years. She had a good income and her husband had a good job, but now her husband can no longer work because of chronic arthritis. What recognition is there in the legislation for her efforts to purchase her flat? Where does it recognise that when she had the financial means to purchase her flat, she was not allowed to do so? Now she is being told that because of the financial situation, her home is beyond her reach. That is neither fair nor just. This amendment allows us a way around that.

We are not saying there should be a free for all or that everyone should be given this opportunity. What we are saying is that those who were prevented from buying their homes when they could should be given favourable consideration. It is straightforward and a matter of common justice. Above all else, that is what we should keep in mind when making legislation here. The amendment would give us a way out and I appeal to the Minister of State to give it serious consideration. If it is necessary for him to take it away for consideration, that is fine. Perhaps the officials need a second look at it. None of us would have a problem with that. However, the Minister of State must move on regardless today and leave these people sorer than they were to begin with.

See this speech in context