Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I offer my sympathy, support and solidarity to those families whose homes have been affected by the mica scandal. Their campaign for justice and their bravery in the face of an unsympathetic Government is to be commended. The nub of the problem with the Bill is it does not provide 100% redress, which is not fair. Families have done their homework and they do not appreciate being told it provides 100% redress when they know exactly what it will cost them and that the Government scheme will fall short. It is unfair and disingenuous of Government to constantly seek to contradict people who are living this day and night. They are well aware of the figures and have done their homework. They have their figures correct.

The costings underpinning the grant system, both in rates per square foot and overall cap, are out of date and not relevant to all the counties impacted. These have to be updated before any scheme opens. Further, the terms of reference for the costings are also too restrictive, excluding foundations, garages and boundary walls. These must be included as they are part of the home. Finally, the industry standard underpinning the scheme, IS 465, does not including other deleterious materials such as pyrrhotite, which has to change. On this last point, regarding pyrrhotite, there are countless people across north County Dublin who can relate directly to the story of the families who are impacted by the mica scandal. They sat and watched their own homes crumble before their eyes due to pyrite. They had to campaign to secure a remediation scheme and to have that scheme be made fit for purpose. Many still cannot sell their homes and move on with their lives. They are stuck where they are. The impact of this crisis on these families has been deep and will be long-lasting.

Only yesterday, I heard from some families. I hoped the Minister would be present to hear this and to join with me to collectively make an effort. These families are living in north County Dublin where the pyrite issues were worst. They depend on a transport system to get them into town. The Fingal express has been withdrawn from them, which is another blow. They are stuck where they are. The bus service is vital. I want it to restored and the Minister for Transport to do his work with other Deputies in my area. When the people in my constituency look on the television and see the crumbling homes, they feel that sense of solidarity because they have had to live through it themselves. Many of them now find themselves in a situation where they cannot sell their homes or move on with their lives. Their families have grown and they are stuck. The impact of not getting this right will be far-reaching and will last for decades

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