Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

The proceedings involving Dublin City Council with regard to the provision of temporary accommodation had nothing to do with the bigger picture and the Minister's ability to meet the residents and push on this issue. While we are all really hoping the 21 day deadline will yield some results, there is something inherently tragic in this also because, in reality, nothing concrete has changed and nothing the Minister is now doing could not have been done at an earlier date. That lesson must be learned because, sadly, Priory Hall is not an isolated example. Across the road, at the complex in Belmayne, in which many of the Priory Hall residents are now living, there is a similar fire hazard.

It is not up to us to say what the solution is; that is for the residents to decide. They have developed a huge feeling of solidarity with each other and are getting a lot of support from each other. However, the idea of returning to Priory Hall is a nonsense and finding some mechanism, through the banks, is the only viable solution. It is tragic that we were tabling questions on this issue over a year and a half ago and asking about leverage from the banks in getting them to transfer mortgages.

The Minister for Finance told us it could not be done but the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is now saying it can. I am glad it can be but it should have been done before now.

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