Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The point I am making, and the reason I used the word "technical", is since 6 November we are offering all homeowners who have been given that non-demolition option the choice of continuing as was or having that full technical review. I am making the point that review will be informed by the current research, that is, the latest available scientific information. We are genuinely trying to follow the science here. I am also saying to the Deputy I cannot imagine a scenario where training does not arise as a result of that. I cannot imagine a scenario where, on such a sensitive and important issue, the quality of that training is not somewhat overseen or approved by government or government agencies, so I am not endeavouring to be disagreeable on this. I have heard on my recent visits to Donegal that there are also a number of tweaks, though that is completely the wrong word, on how the scheme is being applied and homeowners have made some sensible suggestions to me. A group of homeowners feel they are falling between stools in terms of being able to access and draw down a scheme that has quite a large quantum of money. I intend to engage directly with colleagues across the House on this in the coming weeks.

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