Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The ombudsman gave a good explanation and I am much clearer on how he brings fairness to the process. If I understood the statistics correctly, the ombudsman found in favour of 202 applicants out of a total of 7,700, which seems to be a very low figure and implies one of two things. First, people are applying with absolutely no idea of what they are applying for and have no chance whatsoever of winning. Perhaps they should be told this from the outset, rather than allowing them to engage in the process. Alternatively, the low level suggests something is wrong with the system. I will briefly focus on the code of conduct on mortgage arrears. The ombudsman has indicated that over 50% of cases revolved around mortgages, to some extent or other. He has said 81% related to mortgage arrears resolutions processes and that he can only judge on the basis of a contractual arrangement. Therefore, it seems that there are some serious difficulties with the protection offered by the code of conduct on mortgage arrears if the number of findings in favour is so low. Does he accept my view? As he mentioned in his evidence, he has made proposals to the Central Bank about cases that he feels should be brought to its attention. With regard to the mortgage arrears resolution, CCMA, process, is he at liberty to tell us what improvements he has recommended to the Central Bank?