Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In fairness, it is for another day and another topic. We will see what is in the Finance Bill on that measure in the next couple of hours. To return to the issue at hand, I commend the Fair Mortgage Rates Campaign. It has done sterling work in raising this issue in a focused, concentrated way. I was glad to be invited to some of the campaign's events and I appreciate the advice it has given us in the past. As Deputy Michael McGrath acknowledged, there are a number of key people. Obviously, many people have been on the receiving end of being fleeced by interest rates, but a number of prominent individuals, particularly in the media, such as Charlie Weston and others have continued to raise this issue. Hopefully, all of this, including Deputy Michael McGrath's Bill and my Bill in 2015, has created some pressure on some of the lenders, which we have acknowledged, but some remain stubbornly on a higher rate.

The presentation is excellent and succinct, and gives us the data in the condensed pack that are required. The fact that the banks are charging too much and that certain people cannot switch is well established. Now, we must figure out what to do about it. What is before us is the direct intervention - the determination of a market failure and the subsequent intervention by the Central Bank. With that in mind, and with regard to the legislation presented by Deputy Michael McGrath and following what the Government has said or not said today, does the campaign have any suggestions to the committee as to how the Bill could be strengthened and on whether it needs to be strengthened or otherwise? For example, the appeals process has been raised. It has been stated, and rightly so, that there is not an appeals process for every mechanism or body. Does Mr. Burgess have views on where we should seek to strengthen the Bill, if it requires it?