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

Yes. The Minister will understand why there is no fanfare today. It is exactly a year to the day since we read the press release from his Department that up to €50 million in bank loans and levies to pay for the repair of pyrite-affected homes was on the cards. That was followed up by the Minister for Finance telling us that the victims of pyrite would have their property tax sorted out. I note the Minister's press statement from that day in which he stated: "While much work remains to be done to complete the jigsaw, I am confident that the end is now in sight for affected home owners." I do not personally blame the Minister for the situation, but he will appreciate that many people will say they have heard that announcement many times before.

The Pyrite Resolution Board website was launched to fanfare in May, with the initial sum of €50 million, which was not enough, downgraded to €10 million. One year later, no applications have been accepted. We must be conscious of the families, many of whom are desperately hoping this is the pathway to a solution to the issue. I firmly believe we need a scheme up and running in order to be able to adjudicate whether that is the case. On that basis, I support the legislation because it is necessary to provide a legislative basis for remediation.

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