She said: "Today, campaigners who live in homes with construction defects are outside Leinster House, staging a 24-hour protest. They are calling for immediate provision of Government funding for interim fire safety measures, while we await a remediation works scheme coming into effect.
"It is thought that as many as 100,000 Celtic Tiger-era homes have construction defects, which poses a risk to those thousands of families living in them. These people not only have to live with safety concerns for them and their loved ones but also face unaffordable bills to make their homes safe.
"It bears repeating that the safety concerns in their homes arose through no fault of their own.
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"I pay tribute to the campaigns of the Not Our Fault group and the Construction Defects Alliance. On foot of those campaigns, the Housing Minister made commitments to resolve the problem. They are right to continue their activism to ensure that he makes good on his word.
"One issue which is anxiously anticipated by those living in unsafe Celtic Tiger-era homes is the new Fire Safety Code of Practice.
"The code is expected to recommend better fire alarms and safety equipment, in advance of a remediation scheme being put in place. For instance, all of these homes should have state of the art bedroom fire alarms. It is a horrible thought that a fire should break out in any person’s home. However, for those living in homes which are at a heightened risk, it is vital that they have the necessary equipment to ensure early warning systems, 24/7.
"It is vital that the Government publishes the draft Code of Practice before the Dáil and Seanad rise next month. Moreover, it is of utmost importance that it is acted upon without delay. The Minister must set up a Temporary Administrative Scheme – under the Housing Agency – to enable the roll-out of Code’s recommendations. Significant work has already gone into making sure that funds are in place for these measures to be put in place this year. We must see the measures implemented immediately.
"Those steps are needed as we await the publication of legislation for a remediation scheme. However, the broader picture must not be lost on this either. That scheme must be put in place within the lifetime of this Government. It is just too important to wait."
