Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think many people are not very familiar with the Abhaile scheme. I know there is currently an awareness campaign about it. I reiterate that the level of advice and experience available to people in short-term or long-term mortgage distress includes free legal aid and personal insolvency practitioners. The biggest problem is people not engaging with their lender for various reasons. They may be scared or embarrassed - there are numerous reasons - but the Abhaile scheme that has been put in place is a very positive one. The Minister alluded to the number of people facilitated and helped by the scheme throughout the country. It replaces the supports about which Deputy Collins spoke in a more sustainable and productive manner. For that reason, the Abhaile scheme is the better way to go.