SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan MLA has said that the public must be protected from defective building materials.

He was speaking before tabling an amendment to the Defective Premises Bill in the Assembly on Tuesday.

Mr McCrossan said that scandals around materials like mica and pyrite could never be repeated in the North.

West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said:

“As someone who represents a constituency that shares a border with Donegal I know all too well the pain and suffering that the discovery of defective materials like mica and pyrite in homes have caused to many families. Young people wanting to get on the housing ladder have seen their first home literally crumble before their eyes, while older people have seen their life savings go up in smoke. It has taken a huge mental and physical toll on those affected.

“Those impacted by this scandal have had to spend years fighting for fair compensation, a fight that is still going on and I believe that we need to do everything within our power to ensure that we do not see a repeat of this in the North. While instances of Mica and other defective materials have been thankfully small so far, it would be foolish to think that these materials did not cross the border and are present in some properties here.

“This amendment I am bringing forward today will ensure that if these defective materials are found in properties in the North that those impacted will have their case significantly strengthened when pursuing compensation through the courts. Having seen the devastation that this scandal has caused to many neighbours I would urge parties to back our amendment so that nobody has to go through the horrific experience inflicted on so many families in the South.”