Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming before the House to discuss this all-important topic. I thank him and the Department for their work on the Bill, as well as for the inclusion of Limerick within its provisions. I recall when I got involved with the people in Limerick who were affected by pyrite in their foundations. At the time, they met the Pyrite Resolution Board. Some people who were affected by mica came to the same meeting and it had to be explained to them that while they were similarly affected, this was a different scheme. We received support from the Pyrite Resolution Board and Mr. Jack Keyes, chairman, at the time. They were very clear about how we could apply to the scheme. I made the application on behalf of the residents. When Limerick was included, many people got excited and thought they could apply because they were affected by mica but they are two different schemes. I have seen the crumbling bricks and the deprivation in houses and how it affects families. I understand the stress it is causing to so many family.

I thank the Minister for the inclusion of counties Clare and Limerick in the scheme. It came as a recommendation to him and he decided to add it under the Bill. I understand the stress families around Ireland have experienced. The fact that the scheme has been increased up to a maximum of over €200,000 from the original scheme is to be welcomed. I presume that was done because of the increased costs associated with building and a lack of supplies. I ask that the Minister keep that figure under review. I know he is committed to working with the groups.

I compliment the groups and all those involved who came together and put their case. I look forward to supporting the Bill, which has come a long way. While some people believe it has not fully addressed their concerns, I believe it will address many of the issues affecting families. What is the timeframe by which homeowners in Limerick will be able to avail of the scheme? I understand the scheme has to be up and running before they can apply, or maybe I am wrong on that.

Other Senators have referred to quarries, and I am aware the Minister has sought an independent investigation into quarries, mainly in Donegal. I would like that expanded to quarries around the country. I again refer to the pyrite issues. Bricks may have been bought from the same quarry that supplied people with bricks who were affected by pyrite. In speaking to homeowners about where they purchased their building materials, there seems to be a quarry in common. While I will not name the quarry, it is important that quarries are examined to ensure they are not adding to the cost to the State, in that they are no longer selling defective materials. While they may not have known about it at the time, it is quite serious due to the number of houses affected in Ireland. Will the Department consider clawing back some of the costs from these quarries? If they were knowingly selling defective products, they should have to contribute towards to cost of the scheme.

The fact that people are allowed to downsize is very important because clarity was not provided on that for a while and there was a lot of misinformation out there.I welcome the fact that people are allowed to downsize under the scheme. Will there be a one-stop shop in the local authority that people will go to in order to find out? I wish to compliment my own local authority, which made the submission for the application on behalf of the homeowners affected in Limerick.