Seanad debates

Wednesday, 15 May 2019

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Michelle MulherinMichelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to note that yesterday Cabinet confirmed that €20 million will be spent on a pyrite and mica remediation scheme this year. This is a very significant development since on budget day last October it was confirmed that a scheme would be established. The homeowners affected have been very concerned and anxious to see some progress since that announcement because they urgently need to get repairs and remedial works carried out on their houses. Some of them are in such a bad condition that the structure of the houses is threatened. Time is therefore of the essence.

I also welcome the fact that the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, will be dispatching officials within the week to Mayo County Council and Donegal County Council who will be responsible for the administration of the scheme. This is very much to be welcomed because we will have expertise and knowledge on the ground, delivered by people who are very familiar with the locality and with the people. It will make this scheme more accessible to individuals in Mayo and Donegal. That is all very welcome. The final details of the scheme are not yet confirmed. Based on what I have just described, this must be done immediately. I am not talking about doing so in a few months' time, but now. People have to make arrangements so they need to know where they stand with regard to testing, engineers and engaging appropriate contractors to carry out the work. For information, I also note that the scheme will be conducted in such a way that there will be an assessment of the most serious cases first, which will be proceeded with, and that other cases will be looked after subsequently.

This scheme has the potential to run for years. The situation in which these homeowners find themselves is terrible. They have mortgages to pay and houses they cannot sell, remortgage or do anything else with. I will continue to fight until the scheme is up and running. It has to be done immediately.

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