Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My observation is that the approach to dealing with mortgage arrears is quite disparate. People do not know where to turn. Many people are not facing up to their problems because of fear or confusion. They could go to any one of the six organisations represented before the committee today, and obviously we would all encourage them to engage with the bank as quickly as possible. There is an information helpline which does not appear to be very effective and there is an advisory function in terms of the opportunity to meet an accountant which has not proven to be very effective or popular. What is the advice for somebody who is struggling with their mortgage, is currently in arrears or who knows they are going to get into arrears? What should they do?