Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Mr. O'Beirne is saying that if someone is preparing a mortgage application, it does not matter what other debts are outstanding. There is a great deal of advertising and competition in the lending market right now. One of the areas of intense competition is in car finance where there may be very attractive options available. However, it would be difficult for a couple on a relatively modest income of €75,000 with a car loan of €20,000 or €30,000 to get a first-time mortgage.