Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know. I thank the Chairman. I apologise for coming to the meeting so late. I had other commitments all day.

Like the Chairman, I have had ongoing engagement with all the banks in respect of outstanding debts, impaired debts and so on. With one or two exceptions, the banks have been willing to talk. That is helpful in the circumstances that prevail. The banks that are being discussed today have always been courteous. They continue to be so. That is the way it should be because Oireachtas Members act as third-party supports. Certain concession have to be made. We have to be mindful of that, particularly in the context of contacting the borrower without alerting the third party, even though that third party is registered. I acknowledge that.

I refer to the issue raised by Deputy Tóibín. Is it common for banks to write off debt and make a tax concession application for so doing?