Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
266. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress being made since a resolution was agreed with Priory Hall residents; the number of home owners who have since signed new mortgage agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51798/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2013 I announced a welcome development in relation to Priory Hall in the form of a resolution framework resulting from a three week process of engagement with the stakeholders best placed to deliver the necessary solutions. In broad terms, the key features of the framework document include:
- the Government, Dublin City Council, the relevant members of the Irish Banking Federation and other stakeholders will work together to secure the successful resolution of the Priory Hall issue;
- recognising the exceptional and unique difficulties faced by the home owners in Priory Hall over the last two years, a fair and reasonable solution to their housing needs will be identified as part of this resolution process;
- solutions will be devised on a case-by-case basis in accordance with this Framework, taking account of the differing circumstances of each owner occupier in Priory Hall; - an appropriate arrangement will also be put place to recognise the difficulties facing owners of buy-to-let properties in Priory Hall; and,
- the cost burden for resolution of the Priory Hall issue will be shared between the State, Dublin City Council, relevant members of the Irish Banking Federation and other stakeholders as appropriate.
The Government has also established an implementation group, chaired by Dr Martin McAleese, to oversee the effective implementation of all aspects of the agreed Framework. The implementation group, which has already commenced activity, includes representatives of both former residents and buy-to-let owners, thereby ensuring that all of the Priory Hall homeowners are fully engaged and fairly treated. Any arrangements that may be agreed between an individual homeowner and their mortgage provider is a matter between those parties.
