Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I think four colleagues, and two minutes each, if you do not mind. Thank you, Ceann Comhairle.

Like many other Deputies here in the Dáil, I have been inundated with emails and calls regarding this mica crisis. I wish to add my support and say a few words on the horrific situation in which these homeowners find themselves.

There is a misconception that builders should cover the cost. The reality is that this is not a builders' problem. The builders built the houses on the assumption that the blocks met the standards set out in SI 288 of 1949, as was certified by the manufacturers of the blocks, Cassidy Brothers.

Another misconception is that it is up to the block manufacturer to sort out. This is true, however it has proven impossible to sanction the manufacturer so far and no one has obtained any success from using legal recourse.

Asking homeowners to pay 10% for something that is not their fault is grossly unfair. The reality is that, through caps and inclusions, the homeowners will effectively pay much more than 10%. Some suggest it could be in the region of €100,000. It is utterly shameful that these people, who have endured so much have been left with no choice but to bring their plight to the streets of Dublin. For starters, they would have to obtain an engineer's report which would cost €5,000 or more, and only after they are approved would they be reimbursed this money. With a capped grant allowance for square footage, many homes will be smaller than what they were previously unless homeowners provide the additional funds themselves. Furthermore, homeowners who have been in receipt of Covid payments, those whose companies have been in receipt of Covid payments and pensioners will not be able to obtain a mortgage, leaving them financially stranded.

We all know the value of our homes and I am not talking about the financial value. I refer to the heartbreak of these people seeing every day their homes crumble to nothing. I certainly support them and the peaceful protest they had today in their thousands here in Dublin sent a very clear message.

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