Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that the various groups represented before us have worked very hard on this issue but I have to say to Mr. Maguire that his bankruptcy idea holds out a torturous road for something that should be much simpler. In respect of banks and bond holders that have been bailed out at huge cost to the taxpayer, why does he not argue for a universal solution of write downs for owner occupiers to today's values? The monthly mortgage payment could be calibrated down and claw back clauses could apply where a house is sold after the price has increased again. Is that not a better solution than holding a significant section of a nation in these chains of mortgage bondage?