Independent TD for Donegal Thomas Pringle has today called on the Government to commit to a redress scheme in Budget 2019 for families whose homes are affected by Mica.
A consultation process run by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) was recently concluded which invited submissions from homeowners affected by Mica.
“Time is running out for families affected by MICA who cannot afford to wait for the Government to act now that the consultation process is over,” said Deputy Pringle.
Pringle says it’s time the government considered the submissions from home owners and respond in a timely fashion.
“Homes are crumbling as we speak so there’s no time to waste,” Deputy Pringle said.
He added: “I echo the Mica Action Group’s demand that the financial package required to fund a government-backed redress scheme be included in this year’s Budget 2019, only a couple of months away. We will not accept any less than immediate and effective action from Government circles. It’s time to put MICA homeowners first.
“When the Mica Action Group met with Minister Damien English he confirmed there would be no impediment to a government-backed redress scheme once the NSAI report and public consultation process was concluded and the final report was adopted. Furthermore he advised Mica Action Group that remedial works could potentially begin on affected homes, by late 2018.
“However questions remain as to when the amendments to the report (following on consultation submissions) will be adopted and when the NSAI report will be ratified. Also, there are questions as to when a clear methodology will be available on how affected homes can be repaired and or replaced and if this is even a commitment the Government is backing.
“I’ve no doubt that the Mica Action Group will hold the Minister to account on his promises and I will be pursuing the Department for answers to outstanding questions. I urge the Government to consider involving Mica Action Group throughout the reporting process and publish the report without delay once all relevant submissions are considered.
“Finally it is imperative that the Minister act quickly and dedicate funding within Budget 2019 to a redress scheme for affected homeowners before it’s too late and homes continue to crumble,” concludes Pringle.
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