I am pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the issue of side-by-side housing within the defective concrete blocks remediation scheme, particularly in light of where we now stand with the legislation having been progressed. We had amendments towards the end of last year. We had regulations on the increase from €420,000 to €462,000 and the extension of time to 130 weeks but, lo and behold, there were no regulations to deal with side-by-side buildings. What is that? It is not simply an optional extra, it is an essential support for many families, particularly for those who have a person with a disability who requires specialised equipment within the home. For these householders the prospect of vacating their home during demolition and reconstruction is just not viable. It is necessary to allow them to live in their defective homes and to build a new home side by side and then to transfer the necessary equipment into the new home. Those people could not go down the town and find a house where this equipment could be provided. It is crucial that the scheme is inclusive and reflects the full spectrum of disability, not only physical disability but intellectual disabilities, and also neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, which can significantly impact a person's ability to cope with disruption, displacement and changes to their environment. For that reason, there must be sufficient flexibility within the regulations that will underpin the scheme. A narrow or overly rigid approach risks excluding families who genuinely need this option. That cannot be allowed to happen. I warn the Minister of State to ensure he speaks with his officials as the regulations are due in a matter of days. Let there be flexibility. The measures must be practical, compassionate and grounded in the lived realities of those they are intended to support. This is now a matter of urgency. This should have been done months ago. A number of families are currently unable to move forward due to the ongoing delays and they remain in limbo. They are facing continued stress, uncertainty and disruption to their daily lives, not to mention the psychological effects of all of this. I acknowledge the ongoing commitment of my local authority, Donegal County Council, and the crucial role it plays in the defective concrete blocks remediation scheme. What is required now is delivery. The signing off of the regulations must be finalised without delay and the legislation must be signed off so families can finally move forward with certainty, security and dignity. These families have waited long enough. What they need now is action.

Sentiment score: 0.10

I thank the Minister for the response but all that is new in it is that the regulations are in the final stages of drafting and will be available to the Minister to sign within the next couple of weeks. Back in committee last year, I was told completion would be in quarter 1, but it is now quarter 2. I was told completion would be in the middle of April. This is not what my constituents want to hear. I want something definite. I appreciate that officials will be drafting but all hands have to be on deck over the next couple of weeks. By the end of this month, or certainly by the early days of May, the regulations have to be finalised. It does not mean that those who have already received planning permission for a side-by-side build can start immediately. They have to make the application. Somebody will decide who qualifies and who does not. There has to be flexibility. It is not just about a physical disability alone. Other factors have to be taken into consideration. I hope we are not back in the House on the second week of May debating this. I plead with the Minister of State to impress upon the officials that this matter is vital to the individuals concerned. It is urgent because families cannot progress without the provision being signed into law. They are left in limbo and they are waiting for clarity. The ongoing delays are causing stress, uncertainty and disruption to their daily lives. This has already been a multi-year issue. I hope this is the last time it will be discussed in the House. I hope that when the guidelines and regulations are signed off, we will not be back here again requesting that they be amended. They should be all-encompassing and cover all individuals I have referred to.

Sentiment score: 0.12