Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. Conversely, we had raised the issue, and I had raised the issue, of the potential sale of the IBRC mortgages and also our concerns. In fairness, as did many people across the House, we had concerns regarding that fact that the sale was not subject to the code of conduct on mortgage arrears should any bidders from abroad be successful.

I was pleased to see last night's statement from the special liquidators that said, effectively, that the bidders for these mortgages will sign up to the code of conduct on mortgage arrears. That is a good thing and I acknowledge that. Such a scenario came about because many people, from all parties and none, raised concerns about the matter. It is important that such concerns were listened to. That is good, it is progress and it is better than it was last week.

I wish to ask a further question. I understand from reports, whether correct or not, that the loans will be sold at a significant discount and those in arrears will be sold at a discount of approximately 50%. I again call for the option to be given to those mortgage holders to purchase restructured mortgages or to allow a restructure of up to the discount amount, even if it is not the full discount amount and I want parameters to be set. That means if there is a 50% discount then we should allow the mortgage holder to have a restructured mortgage at minus 30%, subject to them meeting certain conditions. If they do not meet the conditions then the deal is off. That is something we can look at.

I have met people, and people have corresponded with me, in the area where I live who have IBRC mortgages and are very concerned about the CCMA. That issue has been dealt with and I acknowledge that fact. That is good. Let us see if something else can be done prior to the sale with regard to offering those mortgage holders some type of significant restructuring of their mortgage debt.

Today heralds the start of a process for thousands of homeowners, particularly on the east coast. The Pyrite Remediation Board has opened and applications for funding can be submitted by individuals to remediate their homes. This is a very significant day. I want to acknowledge, as I have done in previous debates, the work done by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and his Department in that regard. They have done a very good job.

I have been critical of aspects of the scheme and I do not think that it goes far enough. During the Committee Stage debate here, the Minister gave a commitment to report every three months and to keep the scheme on review which is a sensible approach. I have met hundreds of residents in the north Dublin area and, at least, the scheme will act as an avenue for them. They have been let down by HomeBond, in particular, and by the quarries who do not have to pay a levy towards the fund. The taxpayer is picking up the tab but the scheme is a start. I encourage all of the people who have been affected by pyrite, whether they are classed 1, 2 or 3 in terms of damage, to apply to the remediation board at pyriteboard.ie.

Last Thursday in the Customs House a briefing was given by Mr. Noel Carroll and other members of the pyrite board to interested Oireachtas Members that proved very useful. That is the way things should be done. A proper briefing means Members can inform their constituents and neighbours on how to apply for the fund. We will keep the matter under review which is important. The scheme is a good start and I acknowledge the work done by the Minister and his officials in that regard.