Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support Deputy Daly's amendment. It is part of the bureaucracy of the State and huge efforts have been made by many people to have the situation rectified over many years with many meetings and commitments. Now that we finally have the Finance Bill we are told we must wait further. It is very unfair to people and families trying to create a home for themselves by buying it or having it built. Through no fault of their own a situation developed in the structure of the home, and they are landed with a property tax after the property has been found to have a defective structure. It is a very serious condition. They are being put through a process of examination and proof with exhaustive tests because of a faulty product somewhere along the chain of supply which was not their fault. Surely to God we have some bit of compassion left in our institutions of State. Is there no compassion left in those who drafted the legislation? Is the Minister not in charge? Why is it coming across so cruelly in the legislation, with such a long delay and such an onerous request on homeowners and families?

The stress and trauma being caused to families is inexplicable. Any of us who, thankfully, have our own homes know it would be traumatic to have such a major defect even without property tax being levied on the property. Even if there is an effort to rectify the problem, there is no attempt made to be compassionate and understanding while admitting there is a structural problem that is no fault of the home owner. It should be dealt with now rather than put on the long finger, thinking "Live horse, get grass," and it can be done with different legislation. If this Bill goes through tonight without amendments seeking a review, there will be no review. The lads will be gone to the country, running up and down gaps, hiding from the electorate. They will not be heard of and the next Government will have to grapple with the issue. Unfortunately, the home owners will be left in their perilous position, paying property tax. It is robbery without violence.

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