Apartment defects redress
Deputy Murphy highlighted major defects affecting apartment and duplex owners and pressed for retroactive, full redress. The Taoiseach said the report had been received and that the Government would consider a comprehensive intervention.
Outside the Dáil today were many residents of apartments and duplex complexes, including Hunterswood and Park West. These are some of the 100,000 householders facing serious defects in their homes. They were carrying placards saying "Not our fault" because it is not their fault. They did everything right when they bought their homes. The fault is with the builders responsible, with the lack of proper regulation, and with the regime of self-certification that existed at the time. It is not their fault, but at the moment it is going to be their bills, averaging €25,000, with some facing bills of €60,000-plus to make their homes safe.
There is a report on the Government's desk from the working group that talks about the scale of this issue. It says that the vast majority of Celtic tiger-era apartments or duplexes will be affected but the majority of those people do not know they are affected yet. One in 20 homes in this State is affected by this issue. The only just and workable solution is 100% redress. That is one of the options outlined in the report.
Comment on this
I have three quick questions. One, when will the Government decide on the report? Two, will the Government agree that anything it does will be retroactive and will the Taoiseach make that commitment now? Three, will the Government commit to 100% redress?
Comment on this
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has received that report and published it. The Government is going to consider intervention, just as we have in other areas like pyrite and mica, to which we have made very substantial and comprehensive responses. The response will be equally comprehensive on this front as well.