Ms Ruth Fanning:

On the question of the point at which banks tend to issue repossession proceedings, it should be a measure of last resort. We see more and more that people who have sustainable solution options are being brought to court. We had one example of someone who was in arrears of €7,000 on their mortgage but was brought before the Circuit Court for repossession, and we managed to find a solution and have the case withdrawn from court. The banks appear to be using the repossession process too soon, and usually there are options for people who are in court.