Government must urgently implement recommendations from EU defective blocks report

MEP Maria Walsh has welcomed today’s passing of the report which highlights the failings of the current mica/pyrite redress scheme.

The government, she said, must urgently implement the recommendations outlined in the European Parliament’s report on the defective blocks crisis to ensure 100% redress for those affected.

The report detailed last year's European Parliament fact-finding mission, of which MEP Walsh was a member, and was approved this morning by the European Parliament’s Petition Committee.

Said Ms. Walsh said: “I believe the report approved today in Brussels is an accurate reflection of what we experienced during our mission and provides a clear picture of the experiences the homeowners and families devastated by the mica and pyrite crisis have been faced with.

“The current scheme is not sufficient and needs to be reworked. Today’s report reflects this by highlighting the need to include costs of new foundations, provisional accommodation and rental costs.

“I am happy to see the wording that the crisis has a ‘force majeure nature’ was dropped from Amendment 10, meaning that there is no reference to ‘force majeure’ in the report, as I had called for.”

She continued: “The report contains several recommendations on redress, and the onus is now on the Irish government to implement them as a matter of urgency. The government must acknowledge the failings of the current scheme, and provide 100% redress for the families and homeowners affected.

“I will be sending the report to Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, as well as An Taoiseach Leo Varadker, to ensure that they are aware of the official position of Parliament and ask how they intend to enact the recommendations within the report.

“I will continue to fight on this incredibly important issue, to ensure the constituents of the Midlands North West are fully represented.”

MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan said the report was 'vindication of the tireless campaigning of affected homeowners and validation of the unprecedented situation they find themselves'.

It starkly sets out the severe failures at national level to address the issue.