Mr. Gerard O'Brien:

I am sure the Cathaoirleach has seen it in his constituency down in Kilkenny. If there are repeated increases in rates, as we have seen, there will be hopelessness.

To address the Cathaoirleach's question directly, the modus operandi of these companies can sometimes be slow, with a lack of decision-making leading us to ask who is making the decision. We have cases where it has taken up to four months to get a response to a proposal seeking a certain interest rate. That is having a corrosive effect on the clients, which is the most important issue, but also on MABS advisers. It is that acute.