Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Minister of State for being here. This is a very important issue for the people of Mayo as well. I was extremely disappointed that the "Prime Time" programme just covered Donegal as there are hundreds of homes in Mayo affected by pyrite. A representative group met officials from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in March 2014 and presented photographic evidence and the reports indicating beyond doubt that these houses were affected by pyrite. I know families that have had to flee their homes because of pyrite, and that is not fair. Hundreds of families in Mayo have had to stand by and watch households in the eastern part of the country be compensated. I understand the difference between pyrite being in the foundation and in blocks.

I welcome the setting up of the expert group but I am absolutely dismayed that it has indicated it will not come to Mayo until September. That is not good enough. We know the only solution to this is the demolition of buildings. Will the Minister of State consider intervening with the Central Bank so a stay can be put on the mortgages of these people who are being crucified paying mortgages while paying rent as well? Are there proper standards now in place and are we sure this is not happening this very day? Are similar materials being supplied by unregulated quarries throughout the country?