Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

I acknowledge the presence of two of the Priory Hall residents in the Visitors Gallery. Last week they were made refugees in their own country because of the unscrupulous and disgraceful developers, Coalport, and totally inadequate planning laws. Has the Minister met the Dublin City Council manager or the city housing manager to address the housing needs of these residents? I understand the Minister's point regarding the action Coalport is supposed to take. However, it is a very serious situation.

What does the Minister know of the proposed arrangements with NAMA? Can he take action to ensure the cost of renting NAMA properties is not borne by the residents or the city council but by Coalport? Is the Minister aware that Dublin City Council is carrying out the building investigation into Priory Hall? This was promised to conclude in three weeks' time. Will the Minister ask the council to ensure it will be concluded and the report published in this promised timeframe?

The situation for people with mortgages on apartments in Priory Hall is dire. How will their plight be addressed? Will the Minister agree to meet residents to discuss this and all other issues, and will he keep a hands-on approach? What action will he take to reform the planning, building and fire safety laws and end so-called self-regulation? He mentioned some actions but it is important to have proper inspection of buildings to prevent such a scandal ever happening again.

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