Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The economic management council established the Keane group to examine the issue of mortgage distress and repayment difficulties. It was requested that its report would contain recommendations as distinct from theories as to how to deal with these issues. The Deputy can read the report in a few minutes.

As I already said, this report will not be the repository of all wisdom on this issue. The debate will take place next Tuesday and Thursday and the House will sit late on both occasions. We will accede to further requests for more time. I want every Member to have his or her say about cases involving constituents because each circumstance will be different. Every Member is aware of the distress and the anxiety for those caught in this bind. We want to ensure the debate is as comprehensive and as inclusive as possible.

I have asked the Chief Whip to be as flúirseach with his time as is possible. We will have a comprehensive debate on Tuesday and, again, on Thursday with the House sitting late on both occasions. Taking into account Deputy Michael McGrath's Debt Settlement and Mortgage Resolution Office Bill, every Member will have his or her say on this matter.

See this speech in context