Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I listened with interest to the RTE "Morning Ireland" programme, where we heard Mr. Amadeu Altafaj Tardio of the European Commission office express his views and the views of the Commission on the budget setting process. He said the European Commissioner would not interfere if we stuck to the agreed deficit reduction targets. He would leave the details to Ireland. That is very important. From recent conversations and discussions, it is clear there are different opinions and options for how we meet the target budget deficit reduction. This House can usefully debate these options. Today we heard some ideas from the ESRI about insurance levies, pension levies and amalgamation into one levy. We also heard discussions in recent days about corporation tax. We could have a useful debate in advance of the budget where all parties can express their views on what to do to meet the target reduction in the budget deficit.

I call for a debate on mortgage arrears. I am increasingly concerned about this subject. In the revised programme for Government, it was one of the items the Green Party assured us was dealt with. The revised programme for Government was produced more than 12 months ago. The most recent figures from the Central Bank show 36,000 families more than 90 days in arrears with their mortgages. Approximately one in 20 mortgages is more than three months in arrears. It is a big issue, one that comes up all the time when one speaks to people at their front door. It is not just a financial issue; it is also an emotional one. People are worried about ending up on the street. We have seen no action being taken by the Government on the matter. I accept that recommendations were published as a result of the deliberations of a task force set up in February, but we need to see action at this stage. I, therefore, ask the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Finance to come to the House to tell us what he is going to do about the issue of mortgage arrears.