Earlier Fine Gael Secretary of State Joe McHugh has not decided whether he will support the government in future Dáil votes following the party whip’s resignation.
e Donegal TD went up against its Coalition colleagues last night as they sought to pass legislation that will support a €2.7 billion recovery scheme for homeowners affected by the mica scandal.
His decision means that the number of heads of government has fallen to 79, leaving them without a guaranteed majority before the September budget.
Mr McHugh told the Irish independent that the people in his constituency weren’t happy with the settlement and he couldn’t get over it.
While thanking Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien for coming up with a workable plan, he said a decision to limit the Dáil debate to just two hours last night was the last straw for him.
“I am making this decision with a clear head,” he said, adding that he could “not vote in good conscience” for the bill. He then resigned from the Fine Gael party whip.
When asked whether he will support Treasury Secretary Paschal Donohoe’s budget in September, the former Education Secretary replied: “I haven’t thought that far yet.”
Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar told TDs and Senators last night that he expects the government to be able to rely on Mr McHugh’s voice on issues beyond the mica recovery plan.
Two green party TDs are suspended from government benches until November, meaning the government could be at the mercy of a few independent TDs for the budget.
Parts of Mr McHugh’s constituency have been affected by the presence of mica in concrete blocks used in the construction of houses. As a result, many families have literally seen walls in their properties crumble.
There were rowdy scenes in the Dáil last night as some campaigners tried to voice their dismay at the plan from the public gallery.
McHugh explained his voice, saying, “I’m talking specifically about people of my generation and a little bit older. People who will find it difficult to get a loan of €30,000 – €40,000 in advance [to finish a rebuild project]†
He acknowledged that Mr O’Brien is rushing the legislation in a bid to get it passed before the Dáil goes into summer recess later this month, but said changes are needed. “The downsizing was a big problem for me, and I still think it’s unfair for someone who wants to downsize, that unfairness to be punished… I felt really strong on that point, and I’ll keep raising that point .”