Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Martin asked when the Government will act. Following the EMC recommendation, the Government commissioned the Keane report, which will be published in 20 minutes. The House will have a two-day debate on the report next week. I have already said the Minister for Finance will draw down all the recommendations and any other initiatives put forward by Members, and will act swiftly on them. The banks will have to play their part in this. The taxpayers have forked out to recapitalise these banks. In many cases people over-borrowed from banks and lending institutions and were over-lent to. Because of the economic decline and the impact of the recession, 100,000 mortgage holders now have difficulties. Some cannot pay, some have real struggles to pay and there are those who do not want to pay.

I want everyone to have an opportunity to say his or her piece on this matter and to put forward constructive suggestions that are in the interest of alleviating the problem for those who are suffering and are a cause of concern at present. It may be that Deputy McGrath's Bill, based on the Law Reform Commission's recommendations has something to offer. We will put that into the mix also. By next week we will have had a conclusive and comprehensive debate on this matter, allowing the Minister for Finance to respond swiftly and efficiently in the interest of those who are caught in this bind.

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