Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has expressed disappointment that the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions has voted to omit a recommendation for a 100% redress scheme.
On Tuesday the PETI committee passed a unanimous vote on a report on a fact-finding mission to Ireland on the use of defective blocks in construction in Ireland.
A section of the report said it is imperative that the Irish government’s redress scheme be improved, in order to address the concerns expressed by homeowners, widening its scope, reducing red tape, speeding up the progress of the process and involving financial institutions.
However, a specific amendment to include the need for a 100% redress scheme fell during the vote.
MacManus has since spoken out against the European People’s Party Group, of which Fine Gael are members, for failing to support the amendment which was put forward by the Left Group in the European Parliament, of which Sinn Féin are members.
The proposed amendment by the Left said a new scheme should be devised that delivers 100% redress. “One similar to the Pyrite Remediation Scheme, overseen by a board similar to the Pyrite Resolution Board and delivered by the Housing Agency.”
The amendment also sought to add key areas for redress including full accommodation, rental costs and the costs associated with storage of furniture and personal belongings. Other inflexibilities to address include the requirement to rebuild on exactly the same footprint in exactly the same location. Some homeowners may wish to downsize, while it is clear that other homes were initially constructed in unsuitable locations.
Speaking on Wednesday, MacManus said: “The vote should have been a victory for the people of Donegal, Mayo, and Sligo who are impacted by the defective blocks scandal. Instead, the EPP MEPs voted down this progressive proposal, which would have assisted affected families in their pursuit of justice and genuine 100% redress.”
“These families deserve justice. We in Sinn Féin have long supported the campaign for 100% redress and will continue to highlight this issue at Dáil and EU level until a fair and just redress scheme is put in place.”
