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

I wish to reiterate that we are attaching the appropriate level of importance to this. We recognise the devastating consequences of living with mica, which too many families are experiencing at this time. This working group is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Once we have a completed working group report, my officials and I will stand ready to engage intensively to bring about a Government statement and decision, with the support of the Cabinet, on the next steps. This should not be a political football. We all want to support the families who have been impacted. The Deputy gave a broad welcome to the current scheme that was put in place at the beginning of last year. His party did not mention mica in its manifesto in the general election last year. Let us be straight and work together to bring about a resolution for the people we represent. That is what this Government is focused on. I believe the Deputy would expect us to make sure we have a full handle on the overall picture and to make a proper assessment of what exactly is at play. That work is being done and I expect to have the report next week. The Government will then act decisively and bring forward its proposals.

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