Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the frustration of the homeowners. I want to offer reassurance to them, Senator Boyhan and the many public representatives in this Chamber and in the Dáil Chamber. As for the facts, the Government has approved the scheme, which requires to be underpinned by legislation. We want legislation that is fit for purpose. Second, we have committed that in terms of fire safety defects that have arisen, the works may commence from 18 January 2023 and will be covered. I have given the Senator a commitment that the code of practice will be published very shortly. It is imminent. That code of practice will provide certainty to professionals as to what exactly is involved regarding fire safety. We must make these buildings safe.

I will take the other matters the Senator raised back to the Minister and the officials. We really want to get a scheme up and running but it must be fit for purpose. It is all about ensuring people can get their homes back into the order in which they purchased them.