Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to start by expressing my admiration for and thanks to all those who organised, mobilised and campaigned for a 100% redress scheme in this area. I admire the tenacity, the drive and the vision of those involved to put in the time and the energy to keep the pressure up, to come to Dublin month after month and week after week, and to make sure their voices were heard by leaving no other option for the Government. I thank them, in particular, for showing that it can be done, and that real change at the highest level is brought about by a dogged determination of real people to make it happen. This campaign was a tireless grassroots movement on an issue that really matters. There was no astroturfing, no political clout posturing and no slick media campaigns from interest lobbyist NGOs. There were just Irish families taking a stand and saying that something needed to be done about this and that they were not going anywhere until it happened. I sincerely hope that we see more of this in the years to come, and that more people in this country realise their power to make a change.

There are a few concerns in relation to this Bill. One of them is a meta concern that is not so much about the Bill itself, but the manner in which it is being put before the House. It is a point that we have, no doubt, heard many times this week. There are some Bills which simply should not form part of the Government's annual scramble to pass legislation before the summer recess. This is one of them. It was pointed out at the end of last month in the Lower House that it seemed rushed for a Bill with a price tag of up to €3 billion to schedule Committee and Remaining Stages in one day, particularly when we appreciate that it is almost ten years now since the issue first appeared. The Dáil did not even get halfway through the Committee Stage amendments, with none on Report Stage. That is no way to do business on a matter as important at this.

The nitty-gritty of the proposed redress scheme, when it comes to cost calculation, has left many fearing that they will still be stuck with an unpayable bill, despite the theoretical 100% redress of the scheme. This must be avoided at all costs.

Clarity and peace of mind are owed to all who have been affected by the issue. Concerns have been raised that options in respect of downsizing, demolition and rebuilding are not adequately provided for in the Bill. These concerns must also be addressed.

We all would have liked to have had this Bill before us sooner, or to have had more time to consider it. I hope that the homeowners of counties Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Clare and Limerick and all others who have been affected see that some progress will be made in the House on this terribly important issue. The Minister has the power to accept amendments that will strengthen the Bill. I ask him to listen, act and show leadership by accepting amendments that will deliver just redress for the people affected by mica.