Families are living in crumbling homes in Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Clare and many other counties. They have waited and waited for a just scheme - one that is fit for purpose and that allows them to start to rebuild their lives. The defective concrete blocks grant scheme, which has been in operation since 2020, has, by the Minister's admission, fallen far short of what is required. It is almost a year since thousands of people came to the street outside this building to protest and appeal for justice and fairness. They should not have to do that again.

I know the Minister is in discussion with representatives of the homeowners. When will he publish the legislation for the updated scheme? Will he ensure there is proper scrutiny of it, including pre-legislative scrutiny? Will the scheme deliver genuine, 100% redress for these families?

I thank the Deputy for raising this really important issue. I have met with homeowners from Donegal, Mayo and other affected counties on a regular basis and my team continues to engage with them. The Bill to address this issue is in its final stage of preparation and I intend to bring it to the Government very shortly. I asked all parties in the Dáil, including the Deputy's party, to make submissions. I wrote a detailed letter to Sinn Féin asking for Deputies' input into the scheme. Even though the party's housing spokesperson said publicly that he would respond in detail, we never received a response. Deputy Gould can shake his head but it is a fact.

We have engaged directly with homeowners on the matter. What I am interested in is helping people to get their homes and their lives fixed. The scheme we bring forward will be a substantial improvement on the scheme that was in place from January or February 2020. I expect the legislation to come to the Government very soon. I will be seeking the co-operation of all parties across the House to make sure the Bill is passed before the summer recess in order that there be no further delays.