Mr. John Hogan:

The issue of equity was mentioned a few times today, including by Deputy Collins. It is an issue of which we are very mindful. Next week, we will be putting together a group involving representatives from the Departments of Finance and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, ISME, SFA and other relevant actors in the State agencies to consider the constraints and solutions around equity. We have also opened up a consultation process on our own website, through which submissions can be made to the Department for consideration by the group. The closing date of that process is some time during the course of this month. This is an important part of the work which we will be doing over the coming months to try to address that particular gap. Mr. Moran mentioned the online tool which is close to being launched and will be very important. The feedback from businesses that have seen it already has been very positive in terms of it actually giving them a real sense of how to access the vast array of State supports available.

Deputy Collins also raised the issue of mortgages, mortgage arrears, the advice function and the Department of Social Protection fund. This involved payment by the banks of a fee in respect of advice to be given to individuals coming to them seeking an assessment of their situations, having been presented with a long-term solution by their financial institution. One of the things we are looking at in terms of that review is does that advice come at the proper time or is it too early or too late. One of the recommendations which we are currently putting in place is that there would be a two-stage payment, with the first payment being made available at an early stage when the individual is completing the SFS form and engaging in the first instance with the financial institution. I believe that is very important in terms of addressing the gap mentioned by the Deputy.

It is important at a later stage for that assessment to be made by the adviser in terms of the actual sustainable solutions being placed in front of him.