Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Terence Flanagan, who has raised this matter, has been in contact with some people from Priory Hall, who happen to be here. Deputy Broughan makes a strong case in support of Deputy Flanagan on this occasion. Everybody understands the absolute difficulty people found themselves in. Some are still in one of two Dublin hotels. Dublin City Council has been making some progress in dealing with specific families. Thirty-seven were placed in apartments close to Priory Hall which were nominated by NAMA and accommodation was secured for five families by courtesy of one of the voluntary housing organisations. Dublin City Council agreed to give 57 residents in receipt of rent supplement deposits to secure private rented accommodation as an alternative to hotel accommodation. One can understand the frustration of some people. A number of families are staying in accommodation sourced by themselves.

It is understood that three mortgage lenders have agreed to a three-month moratorium on mortgage repayments. There are three distinct aspects to this matter, as Deputies will be aware: fire safety risk issues; non-compliance with planning permission; and non-compliance with the building regulation requirements. This case came before the High Court again on Friday, 11 November. Dublin City Council asked the President of the High Court to vacate his previous order requiring it to pay alternative accommodation, storage and rent differential costs of 240 residents who were evacuated from Priory Hall complex pending completion of the works. The council stated that while it had brought its evacuation applications, the fire authority had no responsibility in law for the housing or other costs of the residents. Mr. Justice Kearns refused the application. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has made it clear he wishes to see action in respect of this also. The Building Control Act 1990 clearly places responsibility for compliance with the building regulations on the owner of the building concerned and on the builder-developer who carries out the works. Enforcement of those regulations is primarily the responsibility of the 37 local authorities.

See this speech in context