Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I would like to emphasise the importance of this issue for County Donegal and the impact it has had on the affected home owners since there is a new Government in place and two new Ministers, the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Coveney. We do not have a figure at the moment in terms of the number of houses that are affected, but for those who are affected, it has had a devastating impact on their family life and is a very stressful situation for them to be in, considering the financial impact and considerations in trying to redress it. There are certainly hundreds and probably thousands of homes in the county that are affected by the defective blocks. It is absolutely crucial that this committee reports on time.

Unfortunately, much time passed in terms of setting it up and it was not prompt enough, but it is crucial that no time is lost in acting on its recommendations and in the Government working with the affected home owners. This is particularly so because any continuation of the delay in this will see houses deteriorate further. The amount of funds that will be taken to redress the problem and repair it will be significantly larger if it is allowed continue. I ask the Minister of State to ensure the panel reports quickly but I also ask him and the Minister, as the two new Ministers responsible, to visit the county at their earliest opportunity and make themselves familiar with the problem facing so many home owners in the county, so that they can see the importance of it and act on it as a Government.

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