Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the issue of mortgage arrears and the commonly referred to Keane report. Before dealing with the substance of the issue, it is important to pay tribute, as previous speakers have done, to organisations such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and MABS and citizens information offices on the excellent work they are doing in all our constituencies, including that which I represent, Wicklow. These entities have been swamped with queries from all of our constituents as the mortgage arrears crisis has heightened. Those who work for them are often the unsung heroes when it comes to dealing with this matter.

I welcome the publication of the Keane report, which has been produced in an efficient and timely manner. It is important to state categorically it does not, as Deputy Healy-Rae indicated, provide any sort of magical solution to what is a complex and difficult problem. The report states "it is not contemplated that the Working Group will provide an exhaustive set of recommendations and/or solutions". This debate represents an important opportunity for Government and Opposition Deputies to come forward with constructive proposals. Members should indicate what is good about the Keane report and highlight what is missing from it. They should also outline what we need to do. Deputy Healy-Rae's contribution was extremely constructive in that regard and was in stark contrast from those of Sinn Féin Members, who rejected the Government's approach despite the fact that said approach has yet to be delineated. Sinn Féin is actually trying to pre-empt Government action on this issue. Those who represent that party cannot wait to criticise the Government before it has even reached a decision in respect of this matter.

The Keane report is merely that - a report. It provides a useful set of guidelines, recommendations, opinion and thought, which is extremely helpful. However, it does not constitute a Government decision. It is now the responsibility of the Fine Gael and Labour parties, on a collective basis in Cabinet, to implement the programme for Government and to do everything possible to assist those whose mortgages are in arrears.

There has been some criticism in recent days with regard to the involvement of bankers in the formulation of the Keane report. I am of the view that it was wholly appropriate to bring bankers to the table. As Deputy Healy-Rae stated, it is time bankers stepped up to the plate. Those in the banks must accept responsibility for the mess in which many people with mortgages find themselves and they must also be part of the solution.

I wish to focus on a number of issues, namely, advocacy, the mortgage to rent schemes, recapitalisation of the banks and the reform of personal insolvency legislation. In the context of advocacy, we must respond to the reality that many people find it extremely difficult or even intimidating to approach their banks and renegotiate the repayments on their mortgages. The lingo used by those within and the culture of the financial services sector can be off-putting and inaccessible to many. MABS does a wonderful job with regard to advising and supporting people in respect of financial matters. However, as the report before the House outlines, this organisation is not resourced or structured to assist people in dealing with banks and other financial institutions. There is a need for an organisation to act as a consumer advocate for mortgage holders. An "honest broker", for want of a better term, that could speak on behalf of, advise and assist mortgage holders and provide them with a voice in the renegotiation process. I welcome the Keane report's recommendation in this regard and it must be acted upon. Each mortgage is different and in such circumstances there is a need for an advocate who can consider matters on a case by case basis.

I have a range of concerns, questions and queries in respect of the mortgage to rent scheme. It is understandably incomprehensible that people would want to rent back their homes from any organisation or authority having pumped every cent they possess into meeting their repayments.

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