Due to the delay in processing applications for the defective concrete blocks grant scheme homeowners have been told by Revenue they are not eligible for the exemption from local property tax because their applications have not yet been processed. Homeowners were assured they would be exempt from local property tax if their home was affected by mica. It is through no fault of their own that the processing of applications has come to a standstill. Homeowners have been left in limbo and are expected to pay tax on homes that are crumbling around them. This is unacceptable and unfair. Affected homeowners are paying enough for the mistakes of others and they should not be expected to pay any more. Will the Minister refund the local property tax to mica homeowners once their applications are processed? Will he also consider including and extending the local property tax exemption when bringing forward legislation on a redress scheme for building defects?

I thank Deputy Pringle for raising this issue. I am reluctant to give a commitment on the floor of the House that cannot be stood over and implemented but I understand the point he is making. The spirit of what has been decided is clear and we have to find a way of giving effect to it. I will discuss the issue with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, and we will revert to the Deputy.