Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Minister of State for affording me the opportunity to raise this Adjournment matter once again in the House. I sympathise with the Minister of State opposite with whom I had this discussion last July. This matter relates to a voluntary housing scheme that was funded in its entirety by the Irish taxpayer through the capital allowance scheme and which was in receipt of the usual site for a nominal fee from the local authority. Although the concept worked well initially, for some unknown reason after the collapse of the Celtic tiger the association suddenly woke up and sent out demands for arrears of rent to several of its tenants. This was not exactly the best time to so do from an economic perspective. In addition, it set about carrying out repairs, some of which were required and some of which were neither warranted nor requested. A dispute now has arisen in which the local authority wishes to take no part in which the heating arrangements in a number of houses have collapsed. The association refuses to carry out any repairs, even though it is responsible, because arrears rest on this particular case.

The Minister is familiar with this particular issue and while I do not wish to delay the House, I wish to simplify matters. This particular project was built at the taxpayer's expense with 100% funding in every respect. All that is required from such voluntary housing associations is that they administer the scheme, collect rent, have an annual general meeting, abide by the articles of association and carry out their duties in accordance with the rules and regulations as laid down. It is alleged by the tenants that this is not now taking place and has not taken place for a number of years. Therein unfolds an impasse. As the Minister of State has the power and the will if he so wishes, I ask him to facilitate a meeting between the tenants, the association, the local authority and public representatives to be presided over by himself, if necessary, to bring this dispute to a rapid conclusion. This can be done quietly, amicably and effectively or it can be done the hard way. Threats are being issued to tenants at present to the effect that they will all be in court by Christmas and that the usual conclusion will be that they will be evicted and so on. Neither the Minister of State nor I wish to see something like that happen. Nor should it happen. I merely ask the Minister of State to put in place the arrangements with the local authority, the housing association, representatives of the tenants and public representatives with a view to arranging an immediate resolution of the problems and putting in place the necessary procedures to ensure this does not continue.

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