While I welcome the inclusion of these two counties, it has to be said that the scheme is not fit for purpose. It has been in operation for six years and fewer than 500 homes have been mediated. Despite the Minister's comment to the effect that so-called significant changes were made to the scheme to improve in 2022, fewer families in Donegal and Mayo have applied for the scheme under the new rules rather than the old. It is not 100% and it is not 80%. In fact, tens of thousands of euro are required by homeowners. Stage payments are not available and the processing is far too slow. The underpinning statutory instrument is still not based on the science and not a single social home in any county has been included in any scheme. This scheme is not fit for purpose. It is an insult to families affected for the Minister to say that he is listening. He is not. We are not opposing the motion but we will continue to demand that the Minister change the scheme to do what the Government promised six years ago, namely 100% redress for all of those affected. That is not available today, either to folks already in the scheme or included in it. Until that changes, we will continue to campaign for further reforms.

Sentiment score: 0.01