Sinn Féin has stated that a new sub-group involving homeowners and stakeholders must deliver results for homeowners impacted by defective blocks.

The party's spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD made the comments as he responded to the Department of Housing's establishment of the new sub-group which will examine issues relating to the mortgage of homes remediated under the defective concrete blocks scheme.

Mr Doherty TD said homeowners have been "badly let down by the defective concrete blocks redress scheme" but they are trying to use the scheme to rebuild their homes and lives.

Teachta Doherty said that this new sub-group must be "formed on a permanent and inclusive basis" and include all stakeholders from construction, banking, engineering and insurance sectors, which will "ensure speedy and sustainable resolution to the problems that beset the scheme and affected homeowners."

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In a statement, Teachta Doherty said: "The key question of the mortgageability of these homes following remediation – including the ability to sell the properties in the future – remains a key issue.

"Despite responses to me by the Minister for Housing that these properties would be fully mortgageable once a home has been certified as remediated, it is clear that many engineers cannot guarantee certification of properties for a number of options under the scheme.

"Last year I asked the Minister for State if his department or the Minister had sought clarification from the engineering sector on this issue.

"I also raised the significant funding shortfalls homeowners face to commence works due to flawed design of this scheme.

"I asked the Minister to commit to establishing an oversight committee that would involve key stakeholders – homeowners, the banking industry, the insurance sector, and engineers – to resolve outstanding issues surrounding the scheme.

"It was totally unacceptable that the Minister had not established this committee, given the serious issues that remain outstanding.

"The management of this scheme has been wholly inadequate."