Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh says he needs to see the exact details of the new Mica Redress Scheme before he can support it.
The Fine Gael Deputy has today reiterated his stance on leaving the party if the scheme is not suitable for homeowners.
A new cap of €400,000 per family is reportedly being discussed by government this week, but Deputy McHugh said he will be looking beyond the fundamentals.
“I will be doing what I didn’t do the last time, I will be looking for the exact detail,” Deputy McHugh told Newstalk FM.
“It’s not just good enough to say it’s going to be 100% or there’s going to be a cap at a certain level.
“What costs are going to be covered? Rental costs, storage costs, the access of engineering fees which can be up to €6,000-€7,000. Does planning permission need to be required for people replacing their house? Are there going to be incentives for people who want to downsize?”
Deputy McHugh has echoed the wishes of the Mica Acton Group in their call for a cap on the square footage of each home. €130 per sq. ft. is the figure being advocated by homeowners.
“I think the cap itself is not a good instrument, I think the control mechanism should be on a square footage basis that is what is being advocated by the campaign group themselves,” Deputy McHugh said.
The key demands of homeowners are 100% redress, €130 per sq. ft. and no top to the scale of compensation. If these are not delivered, Deputy McHugh said he will be forced to consider his position in the Fine Gael party after 23 years.
“I will be considering my position, Leo knows where I stand on this. If the scheme is not accepted by the likes of the campaign group, if they are not happy, and it they feel there is not fairness central in this scheme and if it’s not workable, it won’t work for me.
“If they are not happy, I am not happy, and obviously I have to consider my position then.”