Tánaiste says government need to continue to work on defective blocks crisis scheme

Tánaiste Simon Harris has admitted that the government need to continue to work and engage further on the scheme regarding the defective blocks crisis.

Donegal TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Deputy Pearse Doherty pressed Harris on the government's failures to provide.

Doherty gave examples of childcare facilities, schools and council houses that do not qualify for a redress scheme.

Speaking, Teachta Doherty said: "I pressed the government in the Dáil on the Defective Block scandal. There are three community childcare facilities: Ardara, Raphoe and Letterkenny.

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"All of them, the building is falling down. Raphoe is already gone because the children aren't safe in that building. With the other two, time is just ticking away. nThere is no scheme to replace those facilities and those kids' parents are depending on them.

“There are 12 schools in Donegal whose buildings are crumbling around them. There is no scheme at present. There are over 80 council houses - they are lying empty because they have got defective blocks and there is no scheme to fix them.

"I'm going to hold the Tánaiste to account when he says he accepts that government need to continue to work and engage further on the scheme. I'm going to take him up on the offer to engage with him.

"What we need here is delivery not soundbites from government and that is exactly what Sinn Féin is going to continue to pursue until we have 100% redress for all."