Order of Business
The Chair reminded Members to keep to speaking time, and Deputies and the Tánaiste exchanged thanks to staff and presiding officers as the House prepared to recess.
I echo the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's sentiments and thank everybody for their assistance over what was a challenging time for all workplaces but no less for the Dáil as we operate in two different sites. On behalf of Sinn Féin, I thank all the staff. I also thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Ceann Comhairle for keeping the show on the road. I am sure none of us will miss the convention centre, as the Dáil will reconvene in Leinster House in the autumn.
The mica and pyrite scandal has touched the hearts of people throughout the State. The Tánaiste is well aware of families seeing their homes crumbling around them as a result of light-touch regulation during the Celtic tiger era and knows of the campaign for justice and 100% redress. The motion passed by the Dáil on 15 June mandates the Government to deliver 100% redress. With the working group due to report in a fortnight's time, is it still the Government's intention to deliver on the express will of the Dáil and ensure 100% redress to these families?
Comment on this
I join the Leas-Cheann Comhairle in expressing my thanks on behalf of the Fine Gael Party and the Government to all the staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas and of the convention centre for their work over recent months in what have been unprecedented times, trying to operate across several different sites both virtually and in person. As the Leas-Cheann Comhairle said, the Dáil is going into recess but we are certainly not all going on holidays. The Oireachtas will continue to function. Offices and Departments will remain open. While some Members' constituency offices might close for two or three weeks to facilitate leave, they will be open for most of the recess. I wish all staff and all Members a decent and well-deserved break over the next two months, although I would not be surprised if we are required to come back here at some point over the next two months but hopefully that will not be necessary given the volume of legislation that was passed.
In response to Deputy Doherty's question, the working group is expected to report by the end of the month and the Government will respond to that with an enhanced scheme to assist people in Donegal and other counties whose homes are affected by mica. I am not yet in a position to say what that scheme will be, but it will be a significant improvement on what is currently in place.