Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State. I am glad to hear we are considering these mortgages before people end up losing their homes. That is very important. However, the practice until lately, which varied in different local authorities and was a source of frustration, was to look at the situation at the very last minute, when people were virtually outside the door with the banks on their backs. That never made any sense. I am glad the Minister of State is looking at this.

We do not know the pressures people have been put under and the stresses that have been placed on them. These may have led to people attempting or actually committing suicide. I do not know this because there are no figures available but it has probably happened. It is extremely important, therefore, that we follow this up and do not put people under such pressure. We have enough problems in life.

I appreciate what the Minister of State has stated and look forward to seeing a resolution of this issue.

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