John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not know how Deputy Pearse Doherty feels about this, but the media coverage of the Bill in the statements from all of the usual suspects rained heavily on him this morning. The language used could equate to an effort to scaremonger in getting the message out about banks not being able to raise money, interest rates going up and the next mortgage applicants not being able to apply to obtain a fair deal. The coverage was absolutely horrendous and unnecessary. We came here to listen to what the Central Bank and the Department had to state about Deputy Pearse Doherty's Bill and learn from it to determine whether we could in any way make progress on it, with the co-operation of the Department. However, the Central Bank and the Department of Finance have a very set view on it. Rather than getting lost in the legislation before us, let us examine what it is trying to achieve. It appears that we are up against the right and might of the bank. Do the delegates believe a person with a loan has the right to know where it sits and who owns it?