Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will echo other members in thanking Mr. Hall and Mr. Curtis for the great work they are doing on this issue and across the board. I have a couple of questions. What the witnesses have proposed is logical, rational and makes sense. Obviously they are trying to bring back the incentive in order that banks will sell to regulated bodies or charities, such as the one which the witnesses are proposing. To play devil's advocate, is there a mechanism within our taxation system which would allow for a split rate or a transactional levy which would allow us to identify vulture funds and apply an increased rate of tax or levy to them which would not apply to a charity? Have the witnesses checked the legal basis for that? I believe it is a very good idea. As Mr. Hall has said, it would keep people in their homes and stop the flow of mortgage books being sold off to vulture funds. Have the witnesses checked the legality of that?