Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Acting Chair’s ruling. I know that we have a number of amendments to get through. It might be helpful if I address some of the questions in the context of the overall debate as we get to other amendments.

First, I will speak directly to the amendment, which is the definition. The Bill states, "“defective concrete blocks” means concrete blocks that contain excessive amounts of free or unbound muscovite mica or reactive pyrite or a combination of both, or excessive amounts of such other deleterious material or combination of materials as may be prescribed under section 41". I put it to the Senators that this definition is broad and allows for things such as, for example, the work we are doing to scientifically test foundations. I want to put on the record of the House again what I said on Second Stage, namely, that should an issue arise that is proven scientifically, with pyrrhotite for argument’s sake, in the foundations, we will include the foundations in the scheme. I just want to be very clear in order that there is no ambiguity in relation to that statement. I made it on Second Stage in the Dáil as well. However, the definition, as proposed in the Bill – I say this respectfully to Senator Boyhan, who tabled this specific amendment – is the strongest definition we can have. It will allow us as well to broaden it should, let us say, I am using the example of the foundations or other material that are proven to have a detrimental effect to properties, that they will actually be included. I will not be accepting the amendment. I appreciate the fact that Senator Boyhan tabled it.

The consultation on this legislation started in June 2020. There was previous scheme in January 2020 that, I agree with homeowners, was deficient. One of the first things I did was visit Buncrana with Senator Blaney and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue. I told residents in Buncrana that schemes evolve, and I have no doubt this scheme will evolve. I will be happy to see it evolve as it operates. However, we do not get a scheme into operation unless we pass the legislation. If we do not pass this legislation, we will be back to the old scheme, which is 90% grants up to a maximum of €247,500, no guarantee, no second grant and a cost of €5,000 to €7,000 to get into the scheme. I outlined all the changes on Second Stage. They are on the record of the House. If this legislation does not pass, we will go back to operating under the old scheme. That is just the reality.

In reply to Senator Dooley, I take this opportunity-----