Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

With respect, the Taoiseach has given us a commentary on what is happening. The codes of practice to which the Taoiseach referred were drawn up during normal times. These are not normal times. Many people have lost their jobs over the last year. Many more people are facing the prospect of losing their jobs or their businesses. They are stuck with mortgages that, in many cases, they cannot afford to pay. The mortgage subsidy scheme needs to be updated. Under the present rules, if one half of a couple is working 30 hours a week, and possibly earning a very low income, the couple is not entitled to the mortgage subsidy. That needs to be revised. There is a certain irony in the Taoiseach's suggestion that people go to the 53 Money Advice and Budgeting Service offices throughout the country. Does he not recall the announcement by the Minister for Finance on budget day that the service is to be absorbed into the community information centres? The Government has decided to rationalise an agency that needs to be accessed by people who are in trouble.

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