Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The problem of mould in flats is not being taken seriously by the Government. We cannot entrust the local authorities to fix this problem which has been there for decades. The homes are passed with just a bit of paint or bleach, which some tenants are given. The days for that are long gone. Government needs to intervene and ensure that the funding is there. The funding can be there if the Government is committed to it. It is not being taken seriously. We need action. We are not seeing action. We have inadequate funding to tackle this serious problem. I believe the Government is overwhelmed by the extent of the mould and neglect in the flats. Glovers Court is not far from here. It was supposed to be retrofitted years ago. Canon Mooney Gardens in Ringsend was also supposed to be treated. That has not happened. There is no real commitment by the Government. It has never been done. People are still living in shocking flats. I spoke to a resident earlier on and he said, "These flats were built to replace the tenements and now we are living in modern-day tenements". I just came from a meeting in Pearse House where that was said to me. Residents living in the flats deserve better.

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