John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will get the officials to respond, if they are in a position to do so, on the financial difficulties of MDY. The issue raised by both Deputies on subcontractors is a valid one and the subject of at least one Private Member's Bill. There may be others. There have been other examples nationally in recent times where subcontractors have been left high and dry following the collapse of larger construction businesses.

On the points Deputy Ó Snodaigh makes about Cherry Orchard, I note that of the 72 units to be constructed, 36 are completed and 36 are under construction and due, originally, to be completed by November 2018. I cannot give a commitment that they will be occupied this week, but I can try to establish from the local authority and the approved housing body when it is expected they will be occupied. As someone who has been involved in politics for 20 years, I understand the sense of hope for a family who have been on a housing list for a long time. They know the house they are supposed to get, but this suddenly happens and they do not know when they can move in. It is certainly not a position the Government supports in any way. Those 36 houses should be occupied as soon as possible. We will revert to the Deputies with specific answers to the questions.

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