Ward condemns 'Housing Agency’s failure to provide clarity and fairness'

Charles Ward TD, of the Redress Party, has condemned recent remarks by Aine Stapleton of the Housing Agency that unfairly malign homeowners affected by defective concrete.

Deputy Ward has demanded immediate clarification and accountability, strongly refuting any attempts to portray peaceful protesters negatively.

"I categorically reject these baseless accusations," said Deputy Ward. "The protests I attended were respectful and orderly. Suggesting otherwise is an insult to homeowners courageously standing up for their rights.’

The Sunday Independent reported on December 22, how Áine Stapleton, an assistant secretary at the Department of Housing, complained of a “concerted campaign” to undermine the State’s work on the issue. 

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Ms Stapleton made her complaints in an email exchange with Engineers Ireland secretary general Damien Owens when asking him to address comments he made in a documentary.

She wrote: “Engineers Ireland is already acutely aware of the concerted campaign underway, which in some aspects is seeking to undermine the credibility and reputation of those working on behalf of the Housing Agency, and, indeed, you have seen at first-hand how, at times, the campaign can border on the intimidatory.”

Deputy Ward’s letter to the Housing Agency highlights the urgent issues:

1. Rejecting Mischaracterizations of Protests The claim that advocacy efforts are "bordering on the intimidatory" is a blatant misrepresentation. Deputy Ward has demanded the Housing Agency clarify its position, stating, "Homeowners have shown remarkable restraint and dignity. Such remarks are utterly unacceptable."
2. FOI Requests Stonewalled Homeowners’ efforts to obtain transparency through FOI requests have been obstructed with dubious safety exemptions. Ward demands a full explanation, stating, "Hiding behind legal loopholes to avoid accountability is indefensible.’ Deputy Ward asks, ‘Where is the concern for the safety of families left in homes that have been condemned by independent chartered engineers?’
3. Flawed Technical Review Process The announced "technical review" of downgraded homes lacks transparency, credibility, and fairness. Ward insists on: A clear scope and timeline. Independent oversight. Homeowners’ ability to submit evidence.  Transparent communication of findings and appeal options.
4. Appeals Process Delays With 143 appeals submitted and little progress reported, Ward demands immediate updates and swift action to resolve the backlog. "Families cannot wait indefinitely while living in unsafe homes," he said.

“The Housing Agency’s failure to provide clarity and fairness is unacceptable," said Ward. "These families deserve respect and action, not deflection and delay. I will not tolerate attempts to vilify homeowners who are simply fighting for justice."

Deputy Ward pledged to continue holding the Housing Agency accountable and ensuring affected families are treated with dignity. "These families have endured enough. I will not rest until they receive the transparency and justice they deserve."