Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 7 March 2013

Public Accounts Committee

2011 Appropriation Accounts and Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General
Vote 6 - Office of the Minister for Finance
Chapter 1 - Financial Outturn for 2011
Chapter 2 - Government Debt
Chapter 3 - Banking and Insurance Measures
Chapter 5 - EU Financial Transactions

12:50 pm

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department needs to take a look at its policy in this area and its constant targeting of this particular cohort. It should perhaps engage with the banks on how else they could become profitable-increase their profit base by other methods as opposed to raising variable interest rates steadily over time. The figures I have seen suggest the norm before too long across the board will be 5.5% SVR. Mention was made of the repossession of homes in respect of which people have an inability to pay. However, in terms of this occurring, there is a contradiction. The Department must have a position on this issue and should at least engage with the banks on the effect it will have on those with SVRs.