Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Higgins has asked me to take a leap of imagination. I have no difficulty in taking the odd leap of imagination, but I have no intention of taking a leap of madness as he suggests. This is not a matter to be treated lightly. The Keane report identifies 50,000 people who are in serious difficulties with their mortgages. I understand that 70,000 people have made arrangements with their banks for a structure and a framework to deal with their problems. The Deputy is aware that 45,000 householders are now in arrears of more than 90 days. The Keane report proposed ten measures to set out how some people in mortgage difficulties could be dealt with. Some of the proposals included trade-down mortgages, split mortgages and mortgages-to-rent. That is why we are having a two-day debate in the House this week. In fairness, that is why the Government did not object to the Bill proposed by Deputy Michael McGrath in respect of this matter. If it is necessary to talk about it next week, we will do so. The point is that the Minister for Finance wishes to draw down the thread of every constructive proposition that is coming from any Deputy in this House, with a view to arriving at a conclusion that can help people who are in difficulties with their mortgages. I see reports in today's newspapers about discussions between the troika and the banks.

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