Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

There is an expectation today that the ECB will cut its interest rate, which will be good news for many people on variable rate mortgages. However, those on fixed rate mortgages are now being charged between €5,000 and €7,000 to switch to a variable rate mortgage. Given the Tánaiste's responsibility to the House for consumer affairs and the recent recapitalisation of the new pillars of society, namely, the banks, will she use her good offices to ensure that people will not be screwed, as they currently are, for attempting to reduce their monthly mortgage repayments?

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