Hogan’s Pyrite Plan is not up to scratch – FF

Fianna Fáil Dublin spokesperson Darragh O’Brien has said the government’s plan to deal with pyrite announced today is welcome but falls short of what is needed for homeowners.

Senator O’Brien said: “We believe Minister Hogan has understated this problem all along and that the €10m announced today while welcome is only a small part of what is needed.  What homeowners really needed today was a commitment that ensures they will be supported beyond next year.  In many cases pyrite may not become known to homeowners for a number of years.

“Significant changes to the government’s plan will be required to give homeowners the help they need.  For instance, at the moment the Minister will not allow for people who have already had to carry out repair work on their home to apply for compensation from this fund.  It’s simply unfair for the Government to expect homeowners to foot the bill for this themselves.

“I previously brought forward legislation in the Seanad to deal with the scourge of pyrite affecting thousands of homes.  I believe the Government’s legislation should be initiated in the Seanad as members have discussed this issue in much greater detail than in the Dáil and can make significant progress on it.  This legislation is urgently needed and should be in place before the end of the year.

“The reality here is HomeBond has been let off the hook and the Government needs to step in.  I look forward to engaging with the Minister on this issue in the Seanad and building on the progress that has been made to date.  We will be proposing changes to the Government’s legislation in order to provide the appropriate help for homeowners and I urge the Minister to consider them carefully.”