Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Mr. Hall for his contributions. I know he has said, and many people agree, that the mortgage-to-rent scheme had the potential to be a reasonable good scheme to address the difficulties which existed for many people. Unfortunately however, the way in which it has been administered leaves a lot to be desired. I hear what Mr. Hall is saying with regard to the contributions he has made towards the provision of a programme for Government and that he hopes to see improvements in that regard. Notwithstanding the time it may take for that to bear fruit, does Mr Hall believe emergency legislation could be brought to the House with a view to protecting those tenants caught in the middle of the mortgage-to-rent situation? Those properties are being repossessed and there is a new swathe of those now being brought to the courts. Many people find that their rights are null and void. They are completely at the behest of the courts and, unfortunately, the legislation does not protect them. Does Mr. Hall believe, or has it been suggested by anyone he has dealt with recently, that there could be protective legislation brought forward to allow them to remain in those homes for a period until the mortgage-to-rent situation has been rectified?