Sinn Féin has renewed their commitment to 100% redress for the families affected by the defective concrete block scandal in their ‘Alternative Budget for Housing 2023’.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn also confirmed that Sinn Féin will bring forward legislation later this year to address the inadequacies of the Government’s Remediation of Buildings Affected by the Use of Defective Concrete Block Act 2022.
He said “Homeowners who bought their homes in good faith and tenants paying rent in the private and public housing sectors have done nothing wrong. They are the victims of light touch regulation, negligence, and greed during the Celtic Tiger era.
“They should not have to pay to remediate them, nor should they be forced to live in defective buildings. Sinn Féin is committed to delivering 100% redress for all those living in defective homes. We believe that the responsibility for funding the necessary redress schemes must be borne by both the State and industry, including the construction, quarry, block manufacturing, non-life insurance and banking sectors”.
The Inishowen TD said Sinn Féin is committed in their Alterative Budget for 2023 to ensuring at least €200 million of exchequer funding is provided next year for those affected by pyrite, defective block and Celtic Tiger era building defects.
He added “We have made provision for an additional €140 million in addition to the €60 million provided by the government in core funding for 2023. Sinn Féin would also pursue the creation of an industry fund, either through agreement or legislation with the relevant sectors”.
“We note that the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue indicated in July that he was exploring the establishment of a fund with a potential annual contribution of up to €80 million. Any funds raised through an industry contribution would be additional to committed Government expenditure and both contributions would be multi annual”.
He continued “Sinn Féin will also bring forward legislation later this year to address the inadequacies of the Government’s Remediation of Buildings Affected by the Use of Defective Concrete Block Act 2022. Our amending legislation would address the significant concerns of homeowners in the affected counties and provide for 100% redress”.
