Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
904. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on Priory Hall; if he will support the residents in relation to this housing issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37681/13]
View answer953. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will indicate when it is expected that the completed report of Mr. Justice Finnegan, following the conciliation process between stakeholders and other relevant parties affected by ongoing difficulties since the necessary evacuation of the Priory Hall complex in Donaghmede, Dublin 13, will be provided to him; the actions that will be taken by Government to address and finally bring to an end the ongoing difficulties being experienced by residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38341/13]
View answer954. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when Mr. Justice Finnegan ceased to conduct the resolution process in relation to Priory Hall, Dublin 13; the reason he did not indicate a possible conclusion of the Priory Hall resolution process in this Deputy's earlier questions. [38342/13]
View answer957. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of any contact he has had with Judge Joseph Finnegan regarding the Priory Hall resolution process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38430/13]
View answer958. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when Priory Hall residents will be notified of the outcome of the resolution process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38432/13]
View answer959. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will meet the Priory Hall residents' association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38437/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 904, 953, 954 and 957 to 959, inclusive, together.
The resolution process arose in the context of legal proceedings which were adjourned to afford relevant parties the opportunity to work together, under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Finnegan (retired President of the High Court), to identify a way forward in relation to the complex problems at Priory Hall. I am not a party to those proceedings and I became aware earlier this month that, regrettably, the process has not identified a basis on which the parties could agree to bring to a conclusion the various matters at issue at Priory Hall.
Earlier this week I announced a move by Government to convene a process with stakeholders to identify fair and equitable solutions for Priory Hall residents and for the future of the complex.
The most pressing issue is finding a solution to the unacceptable position in which the former owner occupiers find themselves. I have asked senior officials from my Department to make contact with the stakeholders best placed to deliver the necessary solutions and to ask the parties concerned to come together in good faith on this complex matter.
The full resolution of the Priory Hall situation is the ultimate goal. However, after two years in personally very difficult circumstances, it is vital above all else that the former residents are quickly facilitated in getting on with their lives. I have set down a short period of 21 days to reach conclusions on the matter and I would urge all parties to work together constructively towards that end.
