New TD Charles Ward tells Dáil in his first address Donegal is being 'abandoned'

Charles Ward TD stuck to this tune as he addressed the Dáil for the first time, saying that Donegal is being “abandoned.”

The Arranmore native, who lives in Drumkeen, was elected in the Donegal constituency for the 100% Redress Party, a political party that represent homeowners impacted by the Irish defective block crisis. Ward was one of 66 new TDs attending their first day of the 34th Dáil at Leinster House.

“The people of Donegal sent me here with a mandate to fight for 100% redress,” he said. “We demand action, we need to hold those responsible and to account. I will not rest until this is achieved.

“The time for half measures is over. The government must deliver a true redress scheme, not a grant, a scheme that is led by science. There are 10,000 families in Donegal currently affected by this. I'm an affected homeowner, my children sleep and damp, mouldy rooms every single day along with tens of thousands of others in Donegal.

READ NEXT: Pettigo flooding: ‘a vast amount of work needs to be done in the six counties’

“We have an opportunity the next term to make this happen. We need 100% redress, a scheme led by science. We are doing the scheme currently at the moment the most expensive way you can build. We are splitting semi-detached homes, we’re putting people onto the streets with nowhere to go - 10,000 people.

“We need we need childcare facilities, we need leisure centre, we need a load of work done and Donegal. We are being abandoned and Donegal needs help. We need as much help as we can get. We've been fighting for years this is the first time and defective homeowner has come on to the floor of the Dáil, elected by the people Donegal.”

Verona Murphy was elected Ceann Comhairle of the 34th Dáil, with the Independent Wexford TD becoming the first female Ceann Comhairle in the history of the State.

Taoiseach Simon Harris formally tendered his resignation as part of the formalities for the first sitting of the new parliament. Harris visited the official residence of President Michael D Higgins, Aras an Uachtarain, before the first sitting of the Dail parliament. Harris and the outgoing Cabinet will remain in their roles as no party holds a majority and talks to form a government are ongoing between parties.

The motion to elect Mary Lou McDonald as Taoiseach, proposed by Pearse Doherty, was defeated. There were 44 votes in favour and 110 against while 14 abstained.

The Dáil voted on when to return following the Christmas break with the proposed date set for January 22.