Deputy Joe McHugh would consider retaking whip if changes are made to mica redress scheme

Deputy Joe McHugh said he would consider rejoining the Fine Gael parliamentary party if changes were made to the mica redress scheme, to avoid penalising homeowners who downsize when rebuilding their homes.

The former minister for education said he had been asked to rejoin the parliamentary party, and had been having “high level conversations” on aspects of the redress scheme. 

Mr McHugh told the Irish Times that for him to rejoin the party fold he would need a commitment the scheme would be amended to make sure homeowners who wish to downsize when rebuilding homes did not face extra costs as a result.

“In order to come back into the party I would need to see substantial progress on this issue. I have been asked to rejoin the party ... I would rather be in the party,” he said.

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The former minister resigned the Fine Gael party whip last July after opposing the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022, resulting in the Government losing its majority of 80 TDs.

Read full Irish Times Article here