Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

Does the Minister of State agree that what happened at Priory Hall is scandalous and shameless in 2011, where people in the city had to be moved from their homes into a hotel because of an unscrupulous developer and a complete lack of effective building regulations? What action will this Government take? The Minister of State spoke about local authorities but what action will the Government take to support these people? Will the Minister of State with responsibility for housing meet with the residents' committee this week and will the Government address the emergency housing needs of the residents, as hotel accommodation is totally unsuitable for residents and their families?

Nobody believes the proposed remedial works can be completed in five weeks so what accommodation will be provided for people at the end of that time? Families cannot be expected to live in hotel rooms. What about residents with mortgages on apartments which are now virtually worthless and to which they may never return? What will be done for such people? Does the Minister of State agree that we need an immediate review and fundamental reform of our building and fire safety laws because it was so-called self-regulation by developers that led to this scandal?

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