Ms Derville Rowland:

There are a couple things in what the Cathaoirleach said. First, it is true that customers were experiencing difficulty engaging with some of their lenders. Some of the reasons are that it is a very stressful time and administratively they did not know who to talk to. Therefore, it is welcome that the approach developed with MABS, rolled out and promoted by the BPFI, is there with named people to engage with. Somebody in MABS, for example, can phone a named person in one of the non-bank lenders, or any lender, to be able to advocate on behalf of somebody. They know who to talk to so they are not chasing around different people to find information. That is very helpful. We have powers to deal with any information the Cathaoirleach has about harassment. We are very clear on our expectations. If the Cathaoirleach gives us specific information, we follow through. I welcome that information.

As for appearances before this committee, we have been clear over a number of years about the dissatisfaction of the non-bank lenders not appearing before this committee. The committee has asked us to communicate that to them and we have. Just a few weeks ago, I was at a meeting with the Minister for Finance with all of the lenders – banks and non-banks – where he made very clear his expectation that everybody should attend before the Oireachtas committees when invited to do so. I heard him tell them that; he said it loud and clear. We support that message as well.

That is a little outside of our direct power but there are things within our powers. Definitely within our powers is any behaviour that amounts to harassment or inappropriate communication with people. We definitely can take action and welcome information.