Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When we draw up parameters for any scheme, there will always be criticism of where the parameters have been drawn. Deputy Doherty described his proposal as being targeted. It is not targeted; it has a limited benefit. There is a difference. He is essentially suggesting that people with a mortgage balance of €10,000, €20,000 or €30,000 and perhaps two or three years left should also receive taxpayer support in the form of mortgage interest relief, albeit at a lower level because the balance of the mortgage is much lower. That is not targeting. I do not believe that is an appropriate use of resources.

As Deputy English said, the group of people we are trying to assist are those who have been impacted the most. A range of €80,000 to €500,000 is appropriate. I accept the need for some element of targeting. We can continue the debate about where that threshold should be, but it is the right policy and I am happy to defend it.