The Curse of Defective Concrete (Mica, Pyrrhotite, etc.) in Donegal homes - Read Mod warning Post 1

There are families whose children are sleeping under a roof supported by crumbling blocks.

They may have a better chance of getting their home fixed if they weren't lumped in with investment properties and commercial buildings by the 0.05% of those affected who are leading the negotiations.

Some people could possibly repair their houses now but in 12 months a repair may no longer be a viable option but anything more than a repair may not be fully covered by a grant scheme then so time is absolutely critical for them.

People on the mica action group walked away at various stages of negotiations. These are people who may not have much of any experience of negotiations which puts the 99.5% of those affected and are being represented by these people at a huge disadvantage.

There should be a fundamental rethink on how this should be approached and the use of external advisors and negotiation experts.

I wish all those affected luck in getting their homes repaired.

Basically what I was saying is that there may need to be a rethink on how this is approached in light of today's budget as what was tried in the past has not led to an acceptable outcome and there does not seem to be anything currently in progress that would ultimately lead to an acceptable outcome.

I am from the midlands currently living in Dublin so I have an insight into how both of these communities view the situation. 100% redress, no less built to original plans does not have the support you need so to keep demanding it against all odds without any consideration of any other alternatives is placing those who would accept a lesser solution at a disadvantage.

Wait a few more weeks to see what is offered.

Good luck to everyone affected.

If the budget today is anything to go by there will be many leaks to let you know how it is progressing.

Well, because of the cost NIMAN. That is the only reason.

If extra money is spent on that it stands to reason that things like USC will continue for longer which will reduce our take-home pay when some of us are also paying off a mortgage on a house in Dublin where they don't come cheap and paying for crèche fees which are very high.

We would like the government to help those affected but not keep spending our taxes or plunging us further into debt which will require many years of further taxation at a time when we are getting hammered on the cost of living in Dublin because that is where our jobs are.

I don't care how big someone's house is or how many bedrooms they have. I just care about the efficient use of our taxes and debt burden. It is things like this that are moving the pension age from 65 to 68 and maybe more by the time some of us retire.

When I say that we are part of a society that helps eachother that means food, safety and shelter within reason. Enough should be provided that all those affected can have a safe home that is appropriate to their needs. If they want to put extra on top of that to get something more then that is fine, they should be facilitated. These people should be able to avail of a grant scheme (not redress).

I don't agree that I should pay extra tax to protect the asset value of someone who purchased an investment property no more than I should pay taxes to protect the asset value of someone who invested in Bank of Ireland shares but I am willing to contribute to principle private residences within a reasonable cap.

I really do think that is reasonable while knowing that nobody affected by mica will agree. I hope the government agrees with me even though it will be unpopular in Donegal and with Sinn Fein voters.

The need is not 100% redress, the need is a suitable family home.

As I don't see anything coming from this and am not sure why I spoke up in an environment that anything other that die hard support is shot down I'll take my leave.

Good luck to everyone involved. I hope you have a safe place to live as quickly as possible whatever the outcome the government decides.