Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this really important issue. I have met with homeowners from Donegal, Mayo and other affected counties on a regular basis and my team continues to engage with them. The Bill to address this issue is in its final stage of preparation and I intend to bring it to the Government very shortly. I asked all parties in the Dáil, including the Deputy's party, to make submissions. I wrote a detailed letter to Sinn Féin asking for Deputies' input into the scheme. Even though the party's housing spokesperson said publicly that he would respond in detail, we never received a response. Deputy Gould can shake his head but it is a fact.

We have engaged directly with homeowners on the matter. What I am interested in is helping people to get their homes and their lives fixed. The scheme we bring forward will be a substantial improvement on the scheme that was in place from January or February 2020. I expect the legislation to come to the Government very soon. I will be seeking the co-operation of all parties across the House to make sure the Bill is passed before the summer recess in order that there be no further delays.

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