Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

This is the kernel of the problem. There is clearly a change in circumstances. What the Minister says relates to previous circumstances when interest rates were high. Interest rates are now low but the repayments are causing problems due to the high mortgages which were awarded by financial institutions in the past few years. Many of the people involved now find they must reach a settlement with their financial institution.

The response we get with regard to rent supplement and mortgage support is exactly what the Minister has just told us. Deputy Shortall and I are asking whether the Minister would consider the new circumstances in an effort to ascertain how best a means could be devised whereby hardship could be alleviated for the people concerned, whether it be through mortgage or rent supplement.

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