Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the opportunity to speak in this important issue, which has caused enormous distress to many people. I very much welcome the substance of what the Minister told the House earlier. As someone who was a member of a local authority for 12 years, I share many of the thoughts expressed here today. On countless occasions families have moved into what they regarded as their home - perhaps for life - and experienced some of the difficulties outlined today of cracked doors, dampness, warped floorboards, etc.

A number of years ago I received a letter from a resident advising me that on the day she got a letter from the housing authority indicating that she was being provided with a home, she thought all her dreams had come true. However, a few years later she was in a nightmare situation with little or no recourse.

I am mindful of the insurance issues and the role of the insurance industry in such major problems. I welcome the Minister's approach to ensuring that the issue is addressed. It is estimated that between 10,000 and 14,000 houses have been affected. We must remember that those houses are family homes. I can only imagine the frightening experiences many people have in that situation, particularly following such a massive downturn in the economy following the so-called Celtic tiger years when many people bought homes. However, I agree with the Minister that the State should not be liable in such cases. Notwithstanding that, the issue must be addressed and those responsible must be held accountable. I am satisfied that the Minister is trying to do that, particularly in the case of those in such a situation today and also in the event of future occurrences.

The Minister has said that not only is he considering ways in which the State can enhance and help those 10,000 families affected by this problem, but equally importantly he has made a commitment to ensure regulations are put in place. If such instances arise in future, legislation will be introduced to ensure the industry makes available a fund to carry out such repairs and ease the problems of the families affected. I very much support the sentiments expressed in the House today. It is very important to debate the issue for the sake of those families who in many cases have had the quality of their lives destroyed because of this problem.

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