Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are many issues on which I would like to address the House; I am spoiled for choice. I thank Senator Ruane. What is needed in the incidents that hit the news last week is a conversation regarding the entirety of the community and the safety of young people in the community as well as the intergenerational trauma and the affects of that happening.

I welcome the cost-of-living budget. It is fantastic. There is loads of good news within it. We will have statements on the budget twice later and I will speak in both debates. Hidden among the good news is the fact that the 9% VAT on remaining period products has been reduced to zero as a consequence of the budget and the decisions that were being made today. I have campaigned on this for a long time so I am thrilled with that.

I would like to address a serious issue, which is the fact that apartment owners throughout Dublin South-Central, the constituency in which I live, and throughout the country are facing horrific bills for the defects in their homes. These include fire defects as a result of shoddy workmanship and the appalling aftermath of the Celtic Tiger era building. Homeowners in one apartment complex are facing bills of €68,000. In another complex owners face bills of €32,000. These are people in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis who are being faced with an appalling bill and frightening prospects if the work is not carried out. I raised a Commencement matter on this two weeks ago and to say that I got an underwhelming response is mild. That is either contempt for the Seanad and its Members or else it reflects reluctance. Apparently a memorandum went to Cabinet this morning and the rumour leaked from that meeting, that there is not going to be an instant answer, is worrying. I ask that we have the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy O'Brien, comes to the House as a matter of urgency to address these apartment defects because a person is in an apartment, paying a mortgage and facing a €68,000 bill, that is no small issue. We need an urgent response to that. I have asked for an urgent response to it for this week to coincide with the budget. I ask that we have an urgent debate in this House on this issue.