Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Minister of State to clarify when the next tranche of payments from the ICF can be made. I know, for example, that approximately one third of the outstanding claims have had the first payment made, which is up to 65% or €825,000 but my understanding is that such payments can only be made every six months. I ask the Minister to clarify when the next bundle of payments will be made. If they are ready, is it a legislative barrier that is preventing that from happening more quickly? If so, I am sure there would be agreement in this House to deal with that issue so that at least the payments can start to be made, even if only up to the 65% cap. That is one very practical, short-term step that the Minister of State could take to alleviate the burden somewhat. We must find a way of giving comfort to the policyholders who are faced with the frightening prospect, three and a half years on, of being personally liable. I think the Minister of State agrees that it is not good enough. We need to find a solution and time is important. This has been dragging on for a very long period. People need to be reassured that they are not going to be held liable and end up out of pocket themselves.

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