Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, but it is very important that he should be here this evening to deal with this particular motion.

It is an important debate and no Member wants to see a reduction in services to people with severe disabilities but the Government has made these choices. The cuts were first raised in this House, specifically the cuts to St. Michael's House. In advance of the debate I advise colleagues that, since the cuts were introduced by the Government, some four respite care beds have been closed. They had been used for children with severe disabilities. In a number of houses, medical attention to adults with severe mental and physical disabilities is not available between the hours of 10.30 and 2.30. Major changes have taken place since the Government cut the funding of €1 million to St. Michael's House. I look forward to the debate and I will be interested to see which Minister will be in the Chamber.

This House has played a significant role in highlighting the issue for thousands of home owners throughout the country, predominately those on the east coast, which is the worst affected area. The first and only item of published legislation debated in either House of the Oireachtas is the Statute of Limitations (Amendment) (Home Remediation-Pyrite) Bill 2012. It remains on the Order Paper. We have done a job on this and some progress has been made but many home owners are concerned at the delay in publishing the enabling legislation to establish the pyrite resolution board and, most important, to allow the board to take applications from affected home owners. I ask the Leader to inquire of the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, when legislation will be before the Houses to enable the establishment of the pyrite resolution board in order that affected home owners can make applications to the board for remediation. My colleague, Deputy Barry Cowen, is the Fianna Fáil environment spokesperson in the Dáil and has tabled a written parliamentary question that should be answered tomorrow. The Seanad has led on the issue and I would be grateful if the Leader can get an answer for me.