Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I refer to an inconsistency within the bank that Mr. Duffy might examine. I have dealt with a case in Wicklow where a split mortgage was offered but the couple were told that they would probably have to surrender the house on retirement. I asked them, based on Mr. Duffy's presentation to the committee on the previous occasion, to go back and say to the officials that AIB had changed its policy and that it now had a debt for equity tool. The arrears unit came back and said, "No, this is the only offer in place." I then had to get involved and sent to the unit Mr. O'Connor's testimony saying I believed Mr. Duffy and Mr. O'Connor were telling the truth, that they were honourable men and that I hoped the unit would not make them out to be liars. It was only at that the point that an official came back and said "Okay." I sound a note of caution in this regard. The couple went back to say circumstances had changed. This was not just a one-off mistake. The arrears unit came back and said, "No, that is absolutely not on the table." It was only when the team received Mr. O'Connor's testimony that it stated it would offer this tool.

I had another case in which the bank, in a welcome move, withdrew at the last minute legal proceedings, which were unnecessary. In fairness to AIB, when other colleagues and I get involved in cases, it has been willing to move and do the right thing. However, I am concerned for those who do not have representation by committee members who know, for example, what Mr. O'Connor said to the committee six months ago. Will the representatives consider a review or training or a way of ensuring the staff dealing with our constituents know what they have agreed because, in some cases, they do not know?