Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien has said he will not delay introducing a significantly enhanced mica redress scheme to deal with what he termed an "absolute tragedy".
The next step is to work through options with the Government party leaders in the coming days, he said.
"Nothing including the caps is off the table," the minister told the Dáil and he added that the changes will have to be underpinned by legislation.
A final decision on the matter is expected in the coming weeks when the minister brings a memo to Cabinet.
Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien thanked homeowners affected by mica for their engagement. He says he does recognise 'it is an absolute tragedy’. | Read more: https://t.co/fwoB4UqXl4 pic.twitter.com/VWeJXejL05
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 6, 2021
Sinn Féin's Padraig MacLochlainn said thousands of families' lives have been torn asunder by the mica issue.
He described it as an earthquake in slow motion and said those families should not have to protest in Dublin again this week.
"This is a nightmare that has taken a heavy toll. Full and 100% redress is the only option," he said.
The Department of Housing estimates that 6,600 homes may require remediation works as a result of defective concrete blocks.
This figure includes the potentially eligible private homes in Donegal and Mayo, as well as 1,000 social homes and an estimate for homes in other local authorities that may come into the scheme.
Homeowners and campaigners have said they are seeking 100% redress.
Read more: Mica campaigners urge Government to deliver a 100% redress scheme
Mica redress scheme cost could reach €3.2 billion
Concerns about partial repair of mica-affected homes
What is mica and why is it so problematic for Irish homeowners?
