Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies who have expressed a continuous interest in this matter. I also acknowledge the resilience and strength shown by the former residents of Priory Hall in facing an extremely difficult situation since their homes were evacuated almost two years ago. No homeowner should have to experience what they have lived through in that time.

I wish to set out the context. Following the evacuation of Priory Hall, a resolution process, under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Finnegan, a retired President of the High Court, was put in place in the context of legal proceedings which were adjourned to afford relevant parties the opportunity to work together to identify a way forward in dealing with the complex problems at Priory Hall. I was not a party to these legal proceedings and became aware formally this month that, regrettably, the process had not identified a basis on which the parties could agree to bring to a conclusion the various matters at issue at Priory Hall.

Mr. Justice Finnegan reports, through counsel, to the courts, not me. Owing to the legal constraints, I could not intervene until I had heard formally, through Dublin City Council, about the end of that mediation process. However, I did not hesitate once I had been formally notified of the termination and failure of Mr. Justice Finnegan's mediation process and intervened immediately. Some Deputies have argued today that I should have intervened before now, but we have a long record in this House of Ministers driving a coach and four through the courts and legal process. I certainly was not going to do this. I could not do it and completely disagree with Deputy Broughan's advocacy in that regard. I have to take legal advice. I also want to make sure the builders, developers-----

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