Professor Patrick Honohan:

It sounds that is not consistent with the code of conduct on mortgage arrears that we have set out and which we will be reviewing, possibly in the direction of tightening if anything. It sounds on the face of it that that would go well beyond what we would envisage. I would add a rider though. Sometimes people believe that if this would just go away, the problem would be solved. It may very well be that the best thing she possibly could do would be to answer one of those or to get the engagement. Often the biggest step is for people to realise that their problem is one that can be addressed and that somebody else is sharing it even if that other person is the creditor. Engagement is often the solution.