Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator again for raising this important issue. The content of this report confirms what we already know, namely, that there is a significant and widespread issue with defects in a large number of apartments and duplexes built during the Celtic tiger years.

On behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, I assure the Seanad of this Government's commitment to deal with the issue of defects in housing and to assist homeowners who may find themselves in difficult financial circumstances. The Government will also continue to drive regulation in the construction sector and more sustainable methods of construction to ensure the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

I will take the Senator's assertion that we must take urgent action back to the Minister. It is important. I have reiterated the Government's commitment to resolving this issue in as timely a manner as possible and also to ensure equity and fairness for all of the families concerned. As the Senator said, it is no fault of the homeowners that they ended up in these circumstances. Some of the management companies are ready to move on the issue. It is important, therefore, that we act with a sense of urgency. I will convey that point to the Minister on the Senator's behalf.