Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)

Two weeks ago, the Government approved legislation to amend the defective concrete scheme to allow for retrospective payments, extend the timeframes and include new provisions for vulnerable families. I voiced my opposition to the fixing of a cut-off date of 29 March 2024 for the increased scheme cap and the updated grant rate, as I believe it is extremely unfair and will leave a number of families behind. I hope this can be considered when the Government is drafting the Bill. The Bill is well overdue. Impacted homeowners are desperately waiting for its implementation. I cannot stress the urgency of this enough. I get calls every day from distressed families wondering when the legislation will come in so that they can pay their bills and move forward in life. When will the legislation be published? Will it be published before the summer recess? Will the Tánaiste commit to ensuring that it is passed as soon as possible?

See this speech in context