Sinn Féin opposes this section on behalf of the homeowners who have asked us to block this section. It is for the simple reason that the section signs away people's rights to take legal action. As we have constantly tried to explain to the Minister of State, where there is a shortfall we feel that homeowners should have the right to at least recover that shortfall in any legal action rather than the Minister take the full reward back for the Government. We do not think that is fair. We think it is fair that where t…

The example I gave the Minister of State earlier speaks directly to this amendment. It is a family home eligible for €160,000 under this scheme with a €200,000 rebuild cost. With respect to the section he is supporting, how is it fair to block that person from at least being able to recover that portion of the costs to ensure he or she is not actually out of pocket? Will the Minister of State address that question?

He is not addressing the amendment, a Chathaoirligh.

You stopped me speaking when I was raising this.

As we approach the end of this Bill it is so important that the Minister of State addresses the issue at the heart of this matter and the reason my party opposes section 29. We oppose section 29 because where people experience a shortfall, they need some right of redress. The Minister of State knows that people are watching this debate in the desperate hope that he will not take away their rights but will decide to strike a fair balance for which we have asked. I must add it would be a disgrace for him to sit here …

The Minister of State has said nothing.

Will the Minister of State address the key issue of a shortfall? It has been acknowledged by Senators Dooley, Blaney and others that there will be shortfalls.

Will the Minister of State finally address the issue?

All right so Senator Blaney is saying there will be no shortfall.

People have heard that and it is now on the record.

Address the amendment.

The Senator cannot address the amendment.

I urge the Senator to think about who is watching today. Shameful.

This issue is about people's right to take legal action.

Yes.

That is what the issue is about and why people want the Minister of State to respond but we have not had one response.

It is a pity that the Minister of State would not address the amendment.

Under Standing Order 62(3)( b ), I request that the division be taken again other than by electronic means.

I move amendment No. 17: In page 12, between lines 39 and 40, to insert the following: "(4) The Minister shall, within seven weeks of the passing of this Act, lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas on the implications of construction sector inflation on subsection (3) and whether there is a need to raise the grant cap by way of amending legislation.". I will read the amendment into the record to make it clear what we are looking for: "The Minister shall, within seven weeks of the passing of this Act, lay…

I am happy to just press the amendment.