Thomas Pringle TD
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Pringle presses Government to remove ‘illogical’ sliding scale from mica redress scheme

Pringle presses Government to remove ‘illogical’ sliding scale from mica redress scheme

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has called on the Government to remove the sliding scale from its mica redress scheme.

In response to Deputy Pringle’s question, the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, said Minister Darragh O’Brien is currently considering the matter.

Addressing the Tánaiste in the Dáil today during Questions on Promised Legislation, Deputy Pringle said: “With much fanfare your government announced the so-called enhanced mica redress scheme on Tuesday, a dubious title to say the least.”

He said: “While I welcome the inclusion of elements of rental, storage and mental health support, which I repeatedly called for, the elephant in the room is a sliding scale that was part of Minister O’Brien’s announcement, an element he failed to mention when he spoke to the mica campaigners just hours beforehand. And that is one of the most disingenuous stunts I’ve witnessed during my time in politics.

“Tánaiste, you and the Taoiseach can attempt to spin it however you’d like, but the scheme is not 100 per cent and I would appreciate it if you would stop calling it that. It will also cost the average homeowner in Donegal over €50,000 to participate in this scheme. And the sliding scale has no rational basis.”

Deputy Pringle said: “The scheme has got to deliver for people, and your scheme as outlined on Tuesday just simply won’t work. My question is will your government commit to removing the illogical sliding scale from any proposed legislation?”