Yesterday, members of the Government’s mica working group presented the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien with their proposals for the improved redress scheme during a virtual meeting yesterday evening.

The report seeks the provision of 100 per cent redress for mica homeowners, the removal of excluded homes and a 40-year-state guarantee on any work that is carried out on mica-affected homes.

No agreement has yet been reached but it has been speculated that the Government is proposing a cap of €350,000 for the compensation scheme.

However Mica Action Group PRO Michael Doherty said a cap of €350,000 was not mentioned at last night’s meeting but if it is a prospal the Government is considering ‘it will go down like a lead balloon.’

Speaking to RTE he said, “We are very concerned about this kite flying of €350,000 with caps being floated.

“That will leave 40 per cent of our homeowners behind and that looks like a deliberate attempt to pitch homeowner against homeowner so those that qualify abandon those that are left behind.

“We have been united the whole way through and we will not allow this to happen.

“Numbers seem to be floated to see what the reaction will be but anything that leaves 40 per cent of affected home owners behind could not be accepted.

“We have already worked out what it would cost to replace the home. There is about €40,000 alone of mica affected costs in regards testing, planning permission and rental accomdation.

“The construction costs have also been inflated.

“We have been through the figures and these are basic finishes that are allowed for in the calculator,” said Mr Doherty.

The Minister is expected to brief Taoiseach Michael Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister Eamon Ryan today on the meeting and will then bring final proposals for the scheme to Cabinet in the coming days.

Minister O’Brien has already promised an ‘enhanced scheme’ but has yet to reveal details on how the scheme will be improved.

Mr Doherty said nothing short of 100 per cent redress will be enough.

“We went to Dublin together to get 100 per cent redress.

“This is at no fault to the homeowner and the fault lies firlmy with the lack of regulations and enforcement of regulations by the state.

“Homeowners have been left in a state that is unbareable and we can’t leave people behind.

“This is our one time to do it and we have to do it right,” said Mr Doherty.