Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleague, Senator Boyhan, for bringing forward this amendment, the purpose of which is to change the definition of “defective concrete blocks”. We believe that the definitions listed in the legislation and in the amendment proposed by Sinn Féin Deputies in the Dáil do not go far enough. The current definition in the legislation is too restrictive.

Too often, there is a problem in Ireland whereby people are deprived of much needed support because they do not adhere to some strict criterion or other. We see this regarding a range of Government services, whether it be in social welfare, disability support or healthcare. We need to ensure that the same thing does not happen to everyone affected by mica or pyrite scandals. Therefore, we have made a definition as broad as possible, but within reason, to meet everyone’s concerns.

The scheme being brought in under the Bill could cost the taxpayer €3 billion over its lifetime, although many believe it could cost €8 billion or more. We must not encounter a similar controversy in the future. There are many problems with the building regulations in Ireland. The report of the expert panel on concrete blocks in 2017 outlined a serious regulatory and surveillance issue in respect of the building sector. The same could happen again. In that context, we need to ensure that anyone affected has access to proper remedies. Some in the building sector, such as Ray Brosnan, managing director of Brosnan Property Solutions, said that there is an unfair onus on manufacturers to engage in self-certification. We acknowledge this as an issue outside the amendment’s scope, but our concern at the moment is protecting homeowners.

The amendment is based on a suggestion from homeowners. If the Government does not accept it, I would ask that it please ensure that people whose homes are damaged or made uninhabitable by excessive amounts of mica or pyrite will be entitled to support. The Government can only acknowledge the contribution made by grassroots activists, particularly those in Donegal, Sligo and Mayo, have made in respect of this matter and by the many councillors who have been in touch with us on this issue. I thank them and all the concerned residents and homeowners for engaging with us to put forward these amendments on their behalf.