Over the past number of years, in dealing with mica-affected homeowners, both the Minister for Finance, as he was then, now Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, continuously said that they were going to talk to the banks about their treatment of the affected homeowners to get their support for them in the difficulties that they are in. Many mica-affected homeowners are being put under severe pressure by banks in respect of worthless homes on which they have mortgages. Many homeowners are still mortgage-holders who will not be able to remortgage to repair their homes. To date, mica-affected homeowners have not heard any response regarding those contacts and what progress was made. Could the Minister update the House in this regard?

As the Deputy will be aware, the new revised and updated scheme the Government introduced through legislation passed last year is the basis for how we move forward on 100% redress for families affected by defective concrete blocks. We are doing that. We have been engaging with the local authorities on the draft regulations and we will receive feedback from them. I expect to meet with the homeowner representatives within the next two weeks.

How mortgage lenders are dealing with some homeowners is an issue that has been raised with me, which we will continue to address with the banks. I will address this directly with the residents.

I am pleased to note that we are seeing applications, particularly from counties Donegal and Mayo, being processed effectively and efficiently through the system. We have a lot more to do in that space, but all those homeowners will receive the benefit of the revised 100% redress scheme. I will keep the Deputy informed of our engagement with regard to the banks on the mortgage issues.