Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would ask both sides to please stop playing politics with people's lives and homes. We are here as legislators to do what is right by the people. These are their amendments and I will support all those that have been proposed by the people. While it is cumbersome to apply for these additional grants, we have to ensure they know they are available and that there is opportunity for people to get them. We need to let them know the information is there and that they can go to any county councillor or Citizens Information office to get that information, help and support with those grants. This issue is too important for the people and the houses in which they live. It is heartbreaking to watch the families and what they have gone through, and to see the children crying, the homes and the elderly who have been affected. We have seen the tenacity and stamina of this grassroots campaign, which has been fought from the ground up. We have to be proud of those people. We are debating the Bill because of those people who have kept going to make it what it is. We want to get this right for the people. I ask Senators to please stop playing politics, do what is right for the people and let them know where they can get help if they need it.