Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Minister and the Minister of State and wish them every success on their appointments. I really mean that because I believe everybody deserves to be wished well on a new appointment. I wish them all the good luck in the world.

I thank the Green Party for bringing this very timely and important Private Members' motion before the Dáil. The sad events in England and the massive loss of life there, which we must acknowledge here this evening, are a wake-up call for all of us, including local authorities and the Department, indicating that must do everything to ensure people are living in homes that are safe and comply with the regulations. I compliment the fire service, including those who work in it and manage it, be it in the local authorities or otherwise. I thank and compliment the fire service in Kerry County Council. Its members do excellent work, protecting people in their homes and tackling forest fires. At all hours of the day and night, they are out fighting fires or attending road accidents. They are on call. It is nice to acknowledge the work of such people, who are very much working voluntarily because they have only their costs covered. I thank them very much for that.

In Ireland today, there are thousands upon thousands of young couples and families who bought property at the height of the boom. Tragically, these houses are not up to standard. The buyers are paying massive mortgages and they are stuck with the banks. Everybody got a bailout except these young couples. The people who owed hundreds of millions got off scot free but those who borrowed €200,000, €300,000 or €400,000 to buy a house are now left high and dry. We should really consider them and do everything we can to help them. I thank the Green Party for airing this issue tonight. It is a credit to both its Members.

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