Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

First, I thank the Taoiseach for the briefing he gave me on the progress to date in the discussions on Northern Ireland. I agree with Deputy Kenny that we should discuss the issue in the House in a way that can be helpful, having regard to what the Taoiseach has said about the state of the discussions.

I wish to raise two matters with the Taoiseach. First, arising from the discussion we had on the Order of Business on Thursday with the Minister for Finance concerning the difficulties facing homeowners in respect of increases in mortgage interest rates, which have been now been confirmed, I was pleased that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources announced last weekend that the Government would do something for homeowners who are hard pressed to pay their mortgages and at risk of repossession. I listened to some good interviews the Minister did on the issue. However, I am disappointed to find that the Department of Finance does not appear to know anything about it, that the Government has not made any decision on it and that all this amounts to is the appointment of some experts to have a look at the issue.

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